Avionics expert K Radhakrishnan on Saturday took over as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from G Madhavan Nair here.

A highly respected scientist with 35 years of experience in ISRO, 60-year-old Radhakrishnan has played a key role in many of the country's space projects, including Chandrayaan-I.

"It is with high hopes and great expectations that I am taking over this responsibility. It is a huge task that has been entrusted on me. I am confident that we will be able to achieve our goals with the dedicated work and support of the entire team of ISRO," he said after assuming charge.

Before his elevation as ISRO chief, Radhakrishnan was the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).

He joined the organisation in 1973 shortly after graduating in Electronic Engineering. He later pursued MBA from IIM Bangalore and a doctorate from IIT, Kharagpur.

He had served as Director, Regional Remote Sensing Service Centres, Director of Budget and Economic Analysis, Project Director of Early Warning System of Tsunami and Storm Surges.

Hailing from Irinjalakkuda in Thrissur district of Kerala, Radhakrishnan is also a keen enthusiast of classical arts and music. An ardent Kathakali fan, he had occasionally performed the dance, taking time off his busy schedule.

Meanwhile, senior ISRO scientist P S Veeraraghavan assumed charge as Director of VSSC.

Veeraraghavan had played an important role in major Indian space projects like PSLV and GSLV.

He has served ISRO in various capacities as director of Inertial Guidance Systems and Deputy Director of Mechanisms and Vehicle Integration at VSSC.