G Madhavan Nair , Head International Academy of Astronautics

G Madhavan Nair, ex- chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation, will now be leading the International Academy of Astronautics. He is the only Indian and the first non-American to head the IAA. This information was announced by an official in Panaji.

Nair, who was the vice-president for scientific activities of IAA, succeeded Edward Stone, during the International Astronautical Congress held in Korea last year, the IAA secretary general J.M. Contant said.

The announcement was made at the conference on low cost planetary missions which was held in Panaji, Goa.

Contant said Nair's election was a result of a postal ballot count. Nair will be the IAA president till 2011.

The IAA came into existence in Sweden in 1960. The IAA works towards promoting the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes, recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in a related branch of science or technology and provide a programme through which members may contribute to international endeavours for the advancement of aerospace science.