In a significant development for India's space program, Dr. V. Narayanan, a distinguished rocket scientist and veteran of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been appointed as its new Chairman. He will also assume the role of Secretary of the Department of Space starting January 14, 2025, succeeding S. Somanath, whose term concludes on January 13.
Dr. Narayanan, hailing from Melakattu Vilai village in Tamil Nadu, has a career spanning nearly four decades at ISRO. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, he holds an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. His academic and technical expertise has been pivotal in advancing India’s space propulsion systems.
Joining ISRO in 1984, Dr. Narayanan initially contributed to the Solid Propulsion area and later spearheaded efforts in cryogenic propulsion technology. As the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), he played a vital role in the successful development and deployment of cryogenic and semi-cryogenic propulsion systems for India’s launch vehicles. Under his leadership, ISRO achieved significant milestones, including the operationalization of the C25 cryogenic engine for the GSLV Mk-III.
Dr. Narayanan’s appointment comes at a crucial time for ISRO, as it pursues ambitious objectives like establishing a space station by 2035 and sending an Indian astronaut to the moon by 2040. His leadership is expected to guide India’s space program into a new era of innovation and global competitiveness.
The Indian government has also set its sights on expanding its share in the global commercial space market, aiming to grow from $8 billion to $44 billion in the coming decade. Dr. Narayanan’s expertise is anticipated to be instrumental in realizing this vision.
As ISRO enters this new phase under Dr. Narayanan’s leadership, India’s position in the global space sector is poised to strengthen further, cementing its role as a major player in the exploration and commercialization of space.
