New VSSC Director 2025 Dr. A. Rajarajan takes charge of ISRO’s key launch vehicle centre. Read details on his role in Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan, and private rocket launches—important for UPSC, SSC, and other govt exams.
Meet the New Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Dr. A. Rajarajan, a veteran ISRO scientist and composites expert with nearly four decades of experience, assumed charge as the new Director of VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram effective 1 August 2025. He succeeds Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, who retired on 31 July 2025
A Veteran Scientist at the Helm
Before this appointment, Dr. Rajarajan led the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) at Sriharikota. At SDSC, he played a key role in preparing the infrastructure for flagship missions, including the human spaceflight programme (Gaganyaan) and India’s first private rocket launch, Vikram‑S, under the nation’s new space policy
Expertise in Composite Technologies
Well-known for his contributions to lightweight and high-strength composite materials, Dr. Rajarajan has shaped critical design aspects of launch vehicles and spacecraft. His efforts significantly boosted indigenisation in areas like carbon–carbon composites and solid motor production
Leadership in Landmark Missions
Dr. Rajarajan has overseen key missions including Chandrayaan‑3, Aditya‑L1, Gaganyaan TV‑D1 test vehicle, and LVM3 M2 / OneWeb India‑1, as well as the SSLV programme. He also supported private ventures such as Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram‑S and Agnikul Cosmos’s maiden launch, under India’s evolving commercial space ecosystem
Vision for VSSC Under His Leadership
As VSSC’s new Director, Dr. Rajarajan is expected to oversee advancement in India’s launch vehicle technology, strengthen collaboration with private space players, and lead ISRO’s next-generation mission planning. His appointment aligns with the government’s aim to position India as a global space hub
Why This News Is Important
Relevance to Government Exam Aspirants
- Appointments are a vital section in exams for civil services, banking, railways, and defence.
- The new director is associated with high-profile space missions, which feature in current affairs questions.
Sectoral Significance
- ISRO and VSSC are central to India’s science and defence infrastructure.
- Dr. Rajarajan’s leadership reflects the growing role of private players in strategic sectors — likely to feature in governance and economy questions.
Alignment with National Resource Planning
- His promotion from SDSC to VSSC signals continuity in ISRO’s technical and policy direction, which is frequently tested in exam syllabi relating to space, defence technologies, and public administration.
Historical Context
The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, originally founded as Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in 1962, was renamed in honor of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme. Over time, VSSC has evolved into ISRO’s premier R&D hub for launch vehicles including SLV, PSLV, GSLV and LVM3
Previous directors include Dr. S. Somanath (2018–2022) who later became ISRO Chairman and led Chandrayaan‑3, followed by Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair (2022–2025), under whose tenure missions such as Gaganyaan planning and SRE advanced
Dr. A. Rajarajan’s elevation comes at a transformative time when India is embracing private sector participation in space, marking an evolution from earlier fully state-run models to a more collaborative and innovation-driven ecosystem.
Key Takeaways from “New Director of VSSC”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. A Rajarajan took charge as VSSC Director on 1 August 2025, succeeding S. Unnikrishnan Nair |
| 2 | He is a composites expert and has served as Director of SDSC‑SHAR prior to this |
| 3 | He contributed to major ISRO missions: Chandrayaan‑3, Aditya‑L1, Gaganyaan TV‑D1, and SSLV launch infrastructure |
| 4 | Promoted private sector engagement in India’s space sector by enabling launches of Vikram‑S and support for Agnikul Cosmos |
| 5 | His appointment aligns with India’s space reforms, focusing on modern launch technology, public‑private collaboration and global ambitions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the new Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)?
Dr. A. Rajarajan, a senior ISRO scientist and composite materials expert, was appointed Director of VSSC on 1 August 2025.
2. Whom did Dr. A. Rajarajan replace as the Director of VSSC?
He replaced Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, who retired on 31 July 2025.
3. What was Dr. Rajarajan’s previous role before taking charge of VSSC?
He was the Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) – SHAR at Sriharikota.
4. What are some major ISRO missions Dr. Rajarajan has worked on?
He has played key roles in Chandrayaan‑3, Aditya‑L1, Gaganyaan TV-D1, and private rocket launches such as Vikram-S by Skyroot Aerospace.
5. Why is VSSC important in India’s space programme?
VSSC is ISRO’s lead centre for launch vehicle development, playing a key role in PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3 technologies.
6. What are India’s future goals in the space sector under his leadership?
Expanding private sector participation, enhancing launch vehicle capabilities, and positioning India as a global space hub.
7. How is this appointment relevant for competitive exams?
It is relevant for questions in general awareness, science and technology, appointments, and Indian space programmes, especially for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, and defence exams.
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