V. Narayanan has been appointed as the next Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space, succeeding S. Somanath on January 14, 2025. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet confirmed his nomination, stating that he will serve in these posts for two years or until further notice.
V. Narayanan is a renowned scientist with over four decades of expertise in India’s space program. He joined ISRO in 1984 and has held a number of key posts, most recently as Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Valiamala, Kerala. His primary area of expertise is rocket and spacecraft propulsion, and he has played a critical role in the development of numerous essential propulsion systems for ISRO launch vehicles.
Narayanan was instrumental in the construction of the GSLV MK-II’s Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), as well as the C25 cryogenic stage for the GSLV MK-III, which is vital for launching bigger payloads into orbit.
As Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), he oversaw the successful delivery of 183 Liquid Propulsion Systems and control power plants for several ISRO missions, including substantial contributions to the Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and Aditya-L1.
He is the director of the Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB) for Gaganyaan, India’s ambitious human spaceflight program, which oversees the certification processes required to ensure astronaut safety during flights.
Narayanan has led teams developing next-generation propulsion systems including as semi-cryogenic stages, LOX-methane engines, and electric propulsion thrusters, boosting ISRO’s capabilities in advanced space technology.
His accomplishments include managing the development of launch vehicle control systems as well as space system health monitoring technology.
He has received multiple notable accolades, including the Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India for his contributions to rocket technology and the Distinguished Alumni Award from IIT Kharagpur, where he earned his MTech and Ph.D. in cryogenic and aerospace engineering.
Narayanan has worked on critical ISRO programs such as the Aditya Spacecraft, which studies the Sun, and many missions under the GSLV program, which have positioned India as a major player in global space research.
He helped develop ISRO’s propulsion program for 2017-2037 and worked on many national expert groups that influenced policy orientations for India’s space exploration activities.
Narayanan’s leadership is expected to strengthen India’s capabilities in space exploration, particularly after recent triumphs such as the lunar rover mission. His vision includes a defined strategy for furthering ISRO’s goals and harnessing India’s talent pool to push the frontiers of space exploration.
