New Delhi: The Central government has appointed renowned rocket scientist V Narayanan as the next Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary, Department of Space. His tenure will begin on January 14, 2025, for a period of two years, succeeding S Somanath. The announcement was confirmed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
The official order stated, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri V Narayanan, Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Valiamala, as Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman, Space Commission for a period of two years with effect from 14.01.2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.” The Secretary of the Department of Space simultaneously serves as the ISRO Chairman.
S Somanath, the outgoing ISRO chief, served in the role since January 14, 2022, during which he oversaw several historic space missions, including the landmark Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission that cemented India’s reputation in space exploration.
Who Is V Narayanan?
V Narayanan is a distinguished rocket scientist with nearly four decades of experience in space technology and propulsion systems. He is currently serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, Kerala. Over the years, he has held various key roles within ISRO, contributing majorly to India’s space program.
Narayanan’s expertise lies in rocket and spacecraft propulsion. Notably, he served as the Project Director for the C25 Cryogenic Project, a critical component of the GSLV Mk III rocket, often referred to as India’s ‘Bahubali.’ Under his leadership, the C25 stage was successfully developed, enhancing India’s capability to launch heavier payloads into space.
A graduate of IIT-Kharagpur, Narayanan completed his M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering with First Rank in 1989. Following this, he joined the Cryogenic Propulsion division at LPSC, where he played a pivotal role in advancing India’s cryogenic technology.
Narayanan’s Illustrous Career
Narayanan began his career at ISRO in 1984, working initially in the Solid Propulsion sector on Sounding Rockets, the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). His deep understanding of propulsion systems has been instrumental in the success of multiple space missions.
The appointment of V Narayanan as ISRO chief is expected to steer the organisation into a new era of innovation and exploration, further cementing India’s position in global space research and development.
