New Delhi, January 8 – The Government of India has appointed Dr. V Narayanan, a distinguished space scientist, as the new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He will assume office on January 14, 2025, succeeding S. Somanath, whose term is set to end. According to the official notification, Narayanan’s appointment will be for a period of two years.
Currently serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Dr. Narayanan brings with him nearly four decades of experience in India’s space program. Known for his expertise in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, he has played a pivotal role in the development of advanced propulsion technologies, including his tenure as Project Director of the C25 cryogenic project for the GSLV Mk III launch vehicle.
A Distinguished Career at ISRO
Dr. Narayanan joined ISRO in 1984 and has held several key positions over the years. Early in his career, he worked for nearly four and a half years at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), contributing to the development of sounding rockets, Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in the field of solid propulsion systems.
In 1989, he completed his M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, where he secured the top rank. Following this, he joined LPSC, focusing on cryogenic propulsion technologies. As Director of LPSC, Narayanan played a crucial role in developing the CE-20 cryogenic engine for GSLV Mk III, which has been instrumental in India’s heavy-lift launch capabilities.
Under his leadership, LPSC delivered 183 liquid propulsion systems and control power plants for various ISRO missions, contributing significantly to the success of projects like Chandrayaan, GSLV, and PSLV.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Narayanan’s exceptional contributions to India’s space program have earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Silver Medal from IIT Kharagpur for academic excellence.
- Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India (ASI) for his work in space technology.
- National Design Award from the National Design and Research Forum (NDRF) for his outstanding achievements in propulsion system design.
Challenges Ahead
As he takes charge, Dr. Narayanan is expected to lead ISRO through a critical phase, with key missions on the horizon, including:
- Gaganyaan Mission – India’s ambitious human spaceflight program.
- Aditya-L1 – The country’s first solar observation mission.
- Chandrayaan and Mars Exploration – Continuing interplanetary exploration initiatives.
Dr. Narayanan’s appointment comes at a time when ISRO is pushing the boundaries of space technology, aiming to enhance its global footprint through innovative research and development. With his deep technical expertise and proven leadership, Narayanan is poised to guide India’s space agency to new heights.
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.
