Having served as a director of the prestigious Space Application Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, AS Kiran Kumar is now appointed as the chairman of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) as well as secretary of the department of space.

He takes over from K Radhakrishnan whose term ended last year on December 31 in 2013. Shailesh Nayak, a geologist from Gujarat was looking after the affair as additional charge after Radhakrishana’s term ended.

Kumar, 62 from Karnataka hold a BSc (Honours) from National College,Basavanagudi, majoring in Physics. He further did his MSc from Bangalore University in electronics. He also hold MTech degree in Physical Engineering pursued from Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. In 1975 he joined ISRO.

His list of achievement includes designing and developing electro-optical imaging sensors for Bhaskara payload. During his directorship for SAC his team was credited for developing payoads for Mars Orbiter Mission.

As sources it is also reported that Kumar’s is a strong nominee for the coveted Padma Shri recipient, given his scientific accomplishments.

As per the official process, Kumar’s name was unanimously approved by the cabinet committee which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Being one of superior scientist at the centre many hail his appointment.

There is lost of excitement with his name being announced. Many at ISRO feel that he is the right man for the post to take India’s space mission further. Known as a workaholic and ardent taskmaster, Kumar also enjoys listening to Carnatic music.