[Satellite TODAY 06-03-10] The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) appointed S. Ramakrishnan director of its liquid propulsion systems center, the organization announced June 2. 

    Ramakrishnan previously served as projects director for ISRO at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, providing technical guidance and program direction to ISRO launch vehicle projects as well as new developmental activities.
    Ramakrishnan’s appointment may be an attempt to shift momentum for ISRO, as the agency has been hindered recently by a series of launch delays and failures due to technical problems. The agency delayed the launch of its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C15), initially scheduled for May 9. On April 15, ISRO’s GSLV-D3 rocket carrying the GSAT-4 communications satellite failed due to a third-stage engine malfunction that resulted in total loss of control of the spacecraft. In August, ISRO’s $82 million unmanned Chandrayaan-1 mission ended after ISRO lost contact with the spacecraft.