On January 8, 2025, the Centre appointed V Narayanan as the new chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space. He is set to succeed the current ISRO chief, S Somanath, whose tenure will end on January 14, 2025. The announcement was made through a notification issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, confirming Mr Narayanan's new role with a tenure of two years. This move has set the stage for a new era at ISRO, with Narayanan poised to lead the space agency in its mission to expand India's footprint in space exploration.
A Distinguished Scientist at the Helm
V Narayanan is a highly regarded scientist, holding the prestigious APEX Scale designation within ISRO. As the head of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, he has played a pivotal role in shaping India's space ambitions. Under his leadership, the LPSC has been at the forefront of critical developments in propulsion technology. Narayanan's contribution to India's advancement in cryogenic technology is noteworthy, especially considering that the country was once denied access to this crucial space technology. His work in cryogenic propulsion, which powers rockets and spacecraft, has propelled India to the global forefront of space exploration.
Role in Key Projects
Mr Narayanan’s extensive experience and leadership have extended across various high-profile projects within ISRO. He is the Chairman of the Project Management Council-Space Transportation System (PMC-STS), which is responsible for overseeing all launch vehicle projects and programmes at ISRO. This includes overseeing the development and launch of India’s crucial space missions. Furthermore, Narayanan heads the National Level Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB) for Gaganyaan, India's ambitious human spaceflight mission.
Under his leadership, the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre has contributed to the development of liquid, semi-cryogenic, and cryogenic propulsion stages for launch vehicles, chemical and electric propulsion systems for satellites, control systems for launch vehicles, and health monitoring systems for space technology. His broad expertise in these areas makes him an ideal candidate to guide ISRO into its next phase of growth.
A Vision for ISRO’s Future
Speaking to NDTV from Thiruvananthapuram, the newly appointed ISRO chief expressed optimism for the space agency's future. "We have a clear roadmap for India, and I hope to take ISRO to greater heights as we have great talent," Narayanan said, reflecting his confidence in the team at ISRO and its ongoing innovations.
His leadership is expected to focus on strengthening India’s capabilities in space science and exploration, particularly in the areas of satellite technology, propulsion systems, and human space missions. As India continues to push the boundaries of space exploration with projects such as the Gaganyaan mission and Mars and Moon exploration, Narayanan’s leadership will play a crucial role in ensuring that ISRO remains a global leader in space technology.
Education and Career Trajectory
Mr Narayanan's academic journey and career path reflect his exceptional qualifications and expertise. A graduate of Tamil-medium schools, he pursued his higher education in cryogenic engineering and aerospace engineering. He completed his M Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. He was awarded a Silver Medal for securing the first rank in his M Tech program. His early academic achievements set the stage for his illustrious career at ISRO.
Narayanan’s entry into ISRO dates back to 1984, marking the beginning of his journey with India's premier space agency. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, taking on various key roles. His appointment as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre in 2018 was a significant milestone in his career, during which he led the development of critical space propulsion technologies.
Legacy of S Somanath
V Narayanan’s appointment comes at a time when ISRO is transitioning from the leadership of S Somanath, who has been at the helm since January 2022. Under Somanath’s leadership, ISRO achieved monumental milestones, including India’s historic success in landing a rover on the south pole of the Moon during the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This achievement made India the first country to successfully land a rover in this challenging region of the Moon, marking a major leap in India’s space capabilities.
Somanath’s tenure also saw India joining an exclusive club of countries that have achieved a soft landing on the Moon, alongside the US, the former Soviet Union, and China. The success of Chandrayaan-3 underlined the resilience and expertise of ISRO, and Somanath’s leadership played a key role in ensuring that India’s space missions reached new heights.
The Road Ahead for ISRO
With Narayanan taking over the reins of ISRO, there are high expectations regarding India’s future space missions. The Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space, is one of the most anticipated projects under his leadership. The successful execution of this mission will be a defining moment in India's space history, highlighting the nation's growing capabilities in human space exploration.
Moreover, Narayanan’s expertise in propulsion systems and satellite technology will undoubtedly contribute to the agency’s continued success in launching satellites for both domestic and international clients. ISRO’s commercial arm, Antrix Corporation, has been a significant player in the global space market, and with Narayanan at the helm, the organization is expected to further strengthen its position in the global space industry.
Narayanan’s tenure will also likely focus on enhancing ISRO’s research and development efforts, fostering innovation, and expanding international collaborations. India’s strategic alliances with space agencies such as NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) are expected to deepen, further positioning India as a key player in global space diplomacy.
As V Narayanan prepares to take on the role of ISRO Chairman, his appointment signals a new chapter for India’s space program. With his wealth of experience, leadership in propulsion systems, and contributions to key space missions, Narayanan is poised to guide ISRO to even greater accomplishments. His vision, combined with the immense talent at ISRO, promises to propel India to new heights in space exploration and technology.
Under Narayanan’s leadership, ISRO is set to continue its legacy of excellence, achieving groundbreaking feats in space technology, exploration, and international cooperation. The Indian space agency’s future looks bright, with the potential to lead the world in space innovation and scientific discovery.
With inputs from reuters
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