Dr. V. Narayanan Appointed as ISRO Chairman, Succeeds Dr. S. Somanath
Dr. V. Narayanan, a pioneer in cryogenic propulsion, is appointed ISRO chairman. He succeeds Dr. S. Somanath and will assume the role on January 14.
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The Indian government has announced the appointment of Dr. V. Narayanan as the next chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and secretary of the Department of Space. Dr. Narayanan, currently serving as the director of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, will assume the role on January 14, succeeding Dr. S. Somanath.
Dr. Narayanan brings nearly four decades of experience in space science and technology to the leadership of ISRO. His career has been marked by significant contributions to India’s space program, particularly in the development of advanced propulsion systems and launch vehicles.
Dr. Narayanan is widely recognized for his work in cryogenic propulsion systems, a critical technology for deep space exploration. He played a pivotal role in developing India’s indigenous cryogenic engines, overcoming technical challenges to position India among the select group of nations with this capability. His expertise has been instrumental in powering the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the LVM3, ISRO’s most powerful rocket.
Under his leadership, the LPSC has driven innovation in propulsion technologies, including the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). This advanced rocket system is expected to support future missions, such as lunar exploration and a potential space station.
Dr. Narayanan holds an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he graduated with a silver medal in 1989. He later earned a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering in 2001, further enhancing his expertise in propulsion systems and aerospace technologies.
Dr. Narayanan’s contributions have been acknowledged through numerous awards, including Silver Medal from IIT Kharagpur for academic excellence in M.Tech, Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), ASI Award for Rocket and Related Technologies, Team Excellence Awards and Performance Excellence Awards from ISRO, distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Kharagpur in 2018, National Design Award (2019) from the National Design and Research Forum, National Aeronautical Prize (2019) from the Aeronautical Society of India, and Honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) from Sathyabama University, Chennai.
As chairman, Dr. Narayanan is expected to steer ISRO through a transformative period. Key priorities include advancing the NGLV program, strengthening India’s capabilities in cryogenic propulsion, and expanding the country’s space exploration initiatives. His leadership is anticipated to enhance ISRO’s role in global space technology and exploration.
