An Early Foundation
Born in July 1963 in Alappuzha district, Kerala, S Somnath, full name Shridhar Parikar Somnath, initially pursued his education at the grassroots level. His foray into the academic world led him to TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala, where he embarked on his engineering studies. Graduating with distinction, he attained a Mechanical Engineering degree, earning a spot among the top achievers.
Pioneering Academics
Following his engineering pursuits, Somnath’s educational voyage continued at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. His academic prowess shone as he secured a gold medal during his post-graduation, where he obtained a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. This marked the inception of his multidisciplinary expertise.
A Multifaceted Visionary
S Somnath’s brilliance extends across various domains. Not confined to a single field, he is a connoisseur in Launch Vehicle Design, specializing in Launch Vehicle System Engineering, Structural Design, Structural Dynamics, Mechanism Design, and Pyrotechnics. Under his stewardship, a team of scientists crafted India’s most potent space rocket, the GSLV Mk-III launcher, a crucial platform for satellite launches.
Milestones and Achievements
As the director of the GSLV Mk-III project from 2010 to 2014, Somnath facilitated the creation of the country’s mightiest space rocket. His contributions extend to three triumphant Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle missions and eleven successful PSLV missions. Acknowledgment for his accomplishments arrived through accolades such as the Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India and the Performance Excellence Award for GSLV Mark-III in 2014.
A Trailblazer with Global Recognition
S Somnath’s distinction resonates internationally. He has been inducted as a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and is affiliated with the esteemed International Academy of Astronautics. With a multifaceted expertise and a profound impact on India’s space journey, Somnath’s legacy continues to inspire aspiring scientists and engineers across the globe.
