Bengaluru, Jan 14 (IANS) Distinguished space scientist Alur Seelin Kiran Kumar Wednesday took over as secretary of the department of space and chairman of the Space Commission and the state-run ISRO here.
Prior to his appointment to the top post, the 62-year-old Kiran Kumar was director of the Indian Space Research Organisation's Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
He succeeded K. Radhakrishnan who retired from the high-profile job Dec 31 on superannuation.
With four decades of service in the space agency's satellite instruments and applications domains, Kiran Kumar contributed to the design and development of electro-optical imaging sensors for airborne, low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit spacecraft starting from the Bhaskara television payload to Mars colour camera, thermal infrared imaging spectrometer and methane sensor for the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM).
"Kiran Kumar was instrumental in steering the MOM towards the Red Planet and its insertion in its maiden attempt Sep 24, 2014. He has also made significant contributions for the observation strategy encompassing land, ocean, atmospheric and planetary studies," the space agency said in a statement here.
An alumnus of National College in Bengaluru, Kiran Kumar graduated in physics in 1971, obtained master's degree in electronics from Bangalore University in 1973 and M.Tech in physical engineering from the renowned Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in 1975.
Kiran Kumar began his career in ISRO by joining the SAC in 1975 and became its director in March 2012.
"At SAC, Kiran Kumar steered the design, development and realisation of scientific instruments and application activities of Earth observation, communication, navigation, space science and planetary exploration," the statement added.
A recipient of many national and international awards, including Padma Shri in 2014, Kiran Kumar has won the International Academy of Astronautics' laurels for Cartosat (remote sensing satellite) and the country's maiden lunar mission Chandrayaan-1.
Kiran Kumar is a fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering, the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineer, and the Indian Meteorological Society.
He is also a member of the International Academy of Astronautics.
CBI Raids: New FIR in former NSE chief Chitra Ramakrishna case, CBI raids across the country
The CBI is conducting fresh raids across the country on the orders of the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the former NSE chief Chitra Ramakrishna case. A new FIR has been filed against Chitra and
On the orders of CM Yogi, one lakh square meters land was freed from encroachment in Lucknow, and 1320 illegal constructions were demolished in Akbarnagar in 8 days
In perhaps the biggest action to date, one lakh square meters area of the flow area of the Kukrail River was freed from encroachment in just eight days. Akbarnagar settled illegally for 40
RBSE 10th Result 2022: Rajasthan Board 10th class result released, will be able to check like this
RBSE 10th Result 2022: The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) has announced the date for the release of class X results held in the state. RBSE will be releasing the Madhyamik i.e. 10th
Concern: Evidence of Zika virus found in many states of the country, Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya found in the same sample
Scientists have made a big disclosure through a study regarding the spread of the Zika virus. Scientists have found evidence related to the spread of the Zika virus in many states of the country,
Clear Saturday ahead in Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANS) It was a pleasant Saturday morning in the national capital with the minimum temperature settling at 9.3 degrees Celsius, a notch below the season's average.The Met
China's 'digital Spying' is a big problem for India
Who is spying for China? This question has become a big challenge for security and intelligence agencies around the world. This case is very challenging for India too.
Obama invokes Vivekananda, calls out to 'Sisters and brothers of India'
New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) Recalling the historic address of Indian savant Swami Vivekananda, US President Barack Obama Tuesday began his town hall meeting at the Siri Fort Auditorium with the
Defeat to India factor behind my knock: De Villiers
Sydney, Feb 27 (IANS) An elated South Africa skipper AB De Villiers, who smashed an unbeaten 162 off 66 deliveries against the West Indies here Friday, said it was pain from the humiliating defeat
China then entered Taiwan's border: 39 Chinese fighter jets took off, in response, Taiwan deployed missiles and fighter planes
Frightened to recapture its power over Taiwan, China has again infiltrated its border. China sent 39 fighter aircraft to Taiwan's AIDZ (Air Defense Identification Zone). This is the second major
India should be energy independent to serve people's needs: Modi
New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) Stressing upon energy security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India will have to be independent in this area and seek new avenues to replenish existing
