The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on January 12 approved the appointment of S Somanath to the post of Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO for a combined tenure of three years from the date of joining of the post.

Somanath, who is at present director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), will succeed K Sivan. Speaking to ANI, Somanath said, "I am very happy to join as Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission (ISRO). It is really an honour."