V Narayanan takes charge as new ISRO Chief, succeeding S Somanath

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the appointment, stating, "Dr. V Narayanan, Distinguished Scientist (Apex Grade), assumed the charge of Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission, and Chairman, ISRO on the afternoon of Jan 13."

Dr. Narayanan's illustrious career at ISRO includes his tenure as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), a pivotal institution in the development of propulsion systems for both launch vehicles and spacecraft. His role extended to leading the National Level Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB) for the Gaganyaan programme, India’s ambitious human spaceflight mission.

Having joined ISRO in 1984, Dr. Narayanan's contributions to India's space endeavors span decades. His leadership at LPSC began in January 2018, where he distinguished himself in rocket and spacecraft propulsion technologies.

A native of a modest background, Dr. Narayanan is an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, where he earned his M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. His academic excellence was recognized with a Silver Medal for ranking first in his M.Tech program, alongside the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018 and the Life Fellowship Award in 2023 from IIT Kharagpur.

Before his journey with ISRO, Dr. Narayanan briefly worked with TI Diamond Chain Ltd., Madras Rubber Factory, and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) at Trichy and Ranipet.

Throughout his 40-year tenure at ISRO, including seven years leading LPSC, Dr. Narayanan made pioneering contributions, particularly in cryogenic technology. "When India was denied the cryogenic technology for the GSLV Mk-ll vehicle, he designed the engine systems, developed necessary software tools, and contributed to establishing the infrastructure and test facilities," ISRO stated. He played a crucial role in the development and operationalization of the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS).

As Project Director of the C25 cryogenic project for the LVM3 vehicle, Dr. Narayanan spearheaded the development of the C25 cryogenic stage with a 20-tonne thrust engine, instrumental in the successful maiden launch of LVM3. His academic research significantly contributed to these advancements, placing India among the few nations with indigenous cryogenic technology.

Dr. Narayanan was also central to India's lunar missions, leading the development of critical propulsion systems for Chandrayaan-2 and 3, enabling the spacecraft to achieve Moon orbit and soft landing.

His oversight extended to the PSLV C57/Aditya L1 mission, where he managed the realization of stages and propulsion systems crucial for positioning the spacecraft in a halo orbit at L1, marking India's success in solar research.

In the Gaganyaan programme, Dr. Narayanan's expertise facilitated the human-rating of the LVM3 vehicle and the development of cryogenic stages and life support systems for the crew and service modules. As Chairman of the Gaganyaan Certification Board, he oversaw the certification process for these critical systems.

Dr. Narayanan's leadership is propelling ISRO towards next-generation propulsion technologies, including the development of a 200-tonne thrust LOX-Kerosene semi-cryogenic system, a 110-tonne thrust LOX-Methane engine, and advanced electric and green propulsion systems.

His vision is steering propulsion systems for upcoming missions such as the Venus Orbiter, Chandrayaan-4, and the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS).

A Fellow of esteemed bodies like the Indian National Academy of Engineering and the Aeronautical and Astronautical Societies of India, Dr. Narayanan's contributions continue to drive India's space exploration ambitions forward.