In a significant leadership transition at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr. V Narayanan has been appointed as the new Chairman, replacing S. Somanath, whose tenure ends on January 14, 2025. Known for his expertise in aerospace engineering and cryogenic propulsion, Dr. Narayanan’s appointment signals a promising new chapter for ISRO.
Dr. V Narayanan currently serves as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and has been a part of ISRO for over four decades. He played a crucial role in India’s advancements in space technology, contributing significantly to key missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and the GSLV Mk III project.
Narayanan’s early years at ISRO saw him working on the development of solid propulsion systems for Sounding Rockets, Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) during his tenure at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. In 1989, he earned his M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, where he was awarded a Silver Medal.
Among his notable contributions is his leadership in the C25 cryogenic stage project for the GSLV Mk III vehicle, which bolstered India’s heavy-lift launch capabilities. Additionally, he has overseen the development of 190 liquid propulsion systems and power plants for various ISRO missions.
Dr. Narayanan also holds the position of Chairperson at the Project Management Council – Space Transportation System (PMC-STS), which oversees launch vehicle projects, and the Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB) for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight program.
Throughout his career, he has received several prestigious awards, including a Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India (ASI) and the National Design Award from NDRF. With over 25 accolades to his name, he remains a key figure in India’s space research and technology development.
Outgoing ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, who assumed office in January 2022, leaves behind a legacy marked by remarkable achievements. Under his leadership, India became the fourth nation to achieve a soft landing on the Moon with the Chandrayaan-3 mission in August 2023, joining the ranks of the United States, Soviet Union, and China. The historic landing on the Moon’s south pole elevated ISRO’s global standing and demonstrated India’s prowess in space exploration.
Somanath also played a critical role in the Gaganyaan mission, advancing ISRO’s preparations to send Indian astronauts into space. His tenure witnessed strategic collaborations with global space agencies and significant progress in interplanetary exploration.
With Dr. Narayanan now at the helm, ISRO’s focus will remain on critical missions, including the Gaganyaan program and Aditya-L1, India’s solar observation mission. Narayanan’s vast experience in propulsion systems and project management is expected to provide a strong foundation for ISRO’s ambitious goals in space exploration.
As ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space research, the leadership transition marks a new era filled with high expectations and exciting possibilities. With Narayanan’s proven track record and vision, ISRO is well-positioned to scale new heights in its quest to explore the cosmos.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
