Dr. V. Narayanan has been appointed the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), succeeding S. Somanath. His leadership marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for India’s space program, with ambitious goals, including a manned lunar mission by 2040 and a space station by 2035.
Hailing from a modest background in Tamil Nadu, Dr. Narayanan’s journey is one of perseverance and achievement. He earned his M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, where he was awarded the Silver Medal for academic excellence. Starting his career with roles at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and other companies, he joined ISRO in 1984, dedicating over four decades to advancing India’s space capabilities.
As the Director of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) since 2018, Dr. Narayanan spearheaded the development of indigenous propulsion technologies. His most notable contributions include the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) for the GSLV Mk-II, which positioned India among a select group of nations with cryogenic technology expertise.
Dr. Narayanan’s visionary leadership has been crucial in India’s recent achievements, such as Chandrayaan-2 and 3, where he led the development of propulsion systems that facilitated lunar orbit insertion and a soft landing. He also played a pivotal role in the Gaganyaan program, focusing on human-rated propulsion systems and life support technologies for crewed missions.
Under his guidance, ISRO has advanced next-generation propulsion technologies, including a 200-tonne thrust semi-cryogenic rocket and green propulsion systems for spacecraft. These innovations are set to bolster India’s global position in the space sector, aligning with the nation’s vision to expand its share in the global space economy from $8 billion to $44 billion in the coming decade.
Dr. Narayanan is expected to drive ISRO through transformative missions, including the Venus Orbiter, Chandrayaan-4, and the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS). His expertise, dedication, and innovative approach promise a future where India leads groundbreaking space exploration and inspires global collaboration.
With Dr. Narayanan at the helm, ISRO is poised to soar to unprecedented heights, cementing India’s legacy as a spacefaring nation.
