V Narayanan has been appointed as the new chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), succeeding S Somnath. Narayanan will take charge on January 14, 2025, marking a new chapter for India’s space exploration ambitions. In addition to his role as ISRO Chairman, Narayanan will also assume the position of Secretary of the Department of Space.
His appointment comes after approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, which recognized his vast experience and expertise in the field of aerospace and propulsion systems. With over 40 years of distinguished service in spacecraft and rocket technology, Narayanan is well-regarded for his contributions to ISRO’s growth and success.
Narayanan completed his elementary education in Tamil medium schools before pursuing an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur in 1989, where he earned a silver medal for securing the top rank. He also holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Institution of Engineers (AMIE). His academic achievements and technical prowess have been the foundation of his long career in space science and engineering.
Throughout his career, Narayanan has been at the forefront of India’s space missions, particularly in the development of propulsion systems. His leadership at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) has seen the creation of 183 liquid propulsion systems and control power plants, contributing to numerous ISRO missions. He played an integral role in the development of the second and fourth stages of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the control power plants for PSLV C57. His expertise was pivotal in the propulsion systems for major missions, including the GSLV Mk III, Chandrayaan 2, and Chandrayaan 3.
Narayanan’s contributions to India’s space achievements have earned him several prestigious awards, including the Silver Medal from IIT Kharagpur, the National Design Award from the National Design and Research Foundation (NDRF), and a Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India (ASI).
As the new Chairman of ISRO, Narayanan will lead the organization’s next phase of growth, advancing India’s space capabilities and continuing to strengthen its global presence in the space sector. His extensive experience in rocket propulsion and spacecraft design positions him as a key figure in shaping India’s ambitious space programs, including future lunar and interplanetary missions.
