V Narayanan was named the next Chairman of ISRO
V Narayanan has been named by the Indian government as the new secretary of the space department and chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). On January 14, V Narayanan, a rocket scientist, will succeed S Somanath, the present chief of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). When S. Somanath’s term as leader comes to an end, Narayana will assume leadership.
On January 7, 2025, the Cabinet’s Appointments Committee formally announced that Narayanan would take office for a two-year term.Currently, Narayanan is the Director of the Valiamala-based Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). Narayanan, a renowned scientist with almost 40 years of rocket and spacecraft propulsion experience, contributes significant knowledge to his current role.
Narayanan has worked for India’s space program for almost 40 years, having joined ISRO in 1984. His area of expertise is propulsion for rockets and spacecraft. He has held important positions in ISRO over the years, including spearheading the creation of cryogenic, liquid, and semi-cryogenic propulsion systems for launch vehicles.
Narayanan is leading The Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB) for India’s human spaceflight project, Gaganyaan. He formerly worked at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) on sounding rockets, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), and the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV).
Throughout his distinguished career, he has made important contributions to important ISRO programs, such as the GSLV Mk-III flights and the Aditya Spacecraft. Numerous esteemed honors, such as the Distinguished Alumni Award from IIT Kharagpur and the Shri Award from the Astronautical Society of India, have been given in recognition of his accomplishments.
Prior to receiving an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, he attended Tamil-medium schools. He was appointed Director of LPSC in 2018. At IIT Kharagpur, where he earned a Silver Medal for earning the top position in the M Tech program, Mr. Narayanan finished his M Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and PhD in Aerospace Engineering.
After joining ISRO in 1984, the rocket and spacecraft propulsion specialist advanced through the organization’s levels.
He has previously worked at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in the Solid Propulsion division of Sounding Rockets and Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Mr. Narayanan was instrumental in the creation of the cryogenic engine, a technology that India was not allowed to use.
Additionally, he helped with the development of composite motor cases, composite igniter cases, and Ablative nozzle systems as well as process planning, control, and realization. His leadership of the Failure Analysis Committee for Chandrayaan 2, the mission when the Vikram Lander crashed, was one of his most recent achievements. Once he figured it out, India Vikram’s safe landing at Shiv Shakti Point made Chandrayaan 3 a huge success.
Additionally, he serves as the Chairman of the Project Management Council-Space Transportation System (PMC-STS), which makes decisions for all programs and initiatives involving launch vehicles. For India’s proposed human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, he serves as the Chairman of the National Level Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB).
In addition to leading ISRO for two years, he will serve as the Space Commission’s chairman. He said, “We have a clear roadmap for India and I hope to take ISRO to greater heights as we have great talent.“