V Narayanan has been chosen as the new head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), succeeding S Somanath on January 14, 2025. On January 7, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet announced Narayanan’s appointment, and his term is scheduled for two years or until further notice.
His tenure will begin on January 14, 2025, according to an official government statement.
As he takes on this role, Narayanan is anticipated to continue developing India’s space exploration activities, including existing initiatives like the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and future lunar missions.
S Somanath, ISRO’s chairman since January 2022, has played a key role in various successful missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and the impending Gaganyaan mission. His leadership has emphasised the expansion of India’s space technology capabilities as well as partnership with the commercial sector and foreign partners.
Dr. V Narayanan is the current Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Valiamala, Kerala, and has made substantial contributions to India’s space program, notably rocket and spacecraft propulsion. He has over four decades of experience with ISRO, having started in 1984. Notably, he served as Project Director for the C25 Cryogenic Project of the GSLV MK-III, which was critical to India’s breakthroughs in launch vehicle technology.
Narayanan earned an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, where he graduated first place. His leadership at LPSC has resulted in the successful development of several propulsion systems required for ISRO’s launch vehicles and satellite missions.
Under his supervision, LPSC provided propulsion systems for missions like as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and Gaganyaan, including crucial components like throttle-able thrusters for gentle landings.
V Narayanan was instrumental in creating ISRO’s indigenous cryogenic upper stage (CUS) for GSLV MK-II. He also oversaw the development of the C25 cryogenic stage for the GSLV MK-III.
V Narayanan has led teams developing next-generation propulsion technologies, including as semi-cryogenic stages, LOX-methane engines, and electric propulsion thrusters, to improve ISRO’s capabilities.
Narayanan has held many key positions in ISRO, contributing to a number of high-profile missions and activities. His significant expertise in space technology and administration prepares him well for this leadership post.
V Narayanan has contributed to ISRO’s 2017-2037 propulsion strategy and has served on National Expert Committees and international professional bodies, all of which have helped India advance its space exploration ambitions.
Upon his appointment, Narayanan highlighted his desire to significantly enhance ISRO’s capabilities, emphasising the organization’s roadmap and the talent within its ranks. His ambition involves ongoing innovation and excellence in India’s space programs.
The shift to V Narayanan represents a new chapter for ISRO, as it seeks to increase its contributions to global space exploration and technological achievements.
