THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned scientist and Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) director Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair has been appointed as the director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). He was appointed as VSSC director after the post became vacant following the appointment of Dr S Somanath as ISRO chairman. Unnikrishnan Nair took charge as VSSC director at a function in Bengaluru yesterday. He will continue as the director of HSFC.

D Unnikrishnan, a native of Kothanallur in Kottayam, joined VSSC in 1985. Unnikrishnan, who excelled in the field of launching, rocket and satellite defense, has played a pivotal role in many related projects.