Hyderabad: Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Sreedhara Panicker Somanath has been appointed as an advisor on space technology to the Andhra Pradesh government, along with four other experts, media reports said.

The state issued appointment orders on Wednesday, granting them cabinet minister status for two years, Hindustan Times reported.

The new advisors include former Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chairman G Sateesh Reddy, Bharat Biotech managing director Suchitra Ella, and forensic scientist KPC Gandhi.

Somanath, currently a professor at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, will serve for two years or until the role is deemed unnecessary.

His responsibilities include proposing space technology applications for smart cities, disaster management, and state priorities.

He will also assist in setting up advanced space technology hubs, testing facilities, and research centres while promoting indigenous satellite deployment, remote sensing, communication technologies, GIS, satellite navigation, and AI-driven space analytics.

Reddy, formerly a scientific advisor to the defence minister, will guide the state on aerospace and defence manufacturing.

Bharat Biotech’s Suchitra Ella, a Padma Bhushan awardee and key figure in India’s COVID-19 vaccine development, will advise on handloom and handicrafts sector growth.

KPC Gandhi, ex-director of the Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory, will provide expertise on forensic science issues.

All appointees will receive cabinet minister status along with associated perks and facilities for their tenure.