Distinguished rocket scientist Dr. V Narayanan has been appointed as the next chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), set to assume office on January 14, 2025. Currently serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Dr. Narayanan brings nearly four decades of expertise in space technology to his new role.
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A veteran of India’s space program since joining ISRO in 1984, Dr. Narayanan has been instrumental in shaping several milestone missions, including the successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing. His significant achievements include leading the C25 Cryogenic Project for the GSLV Mk III vehicle, where his team successfully developed the crucial C25 Stage.
Under his leadership at LPSC, the organization has delivered 183 Liquid Propulsion Systems and Control Power plants, contributing substantially to India’s PSLV and GSLV programs. His expertise has been vital in multiple high-profile missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and the Aditya Spacecraft.
Dr. Narayanan’s academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering and an M.Tech from IIT Kharagpur, where he secured first rank. His excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Astronautical Society of India’s Gold Medal and the Distinguished Alumnus Award 2018, presented by former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
In his upcoming two-year tenure as ISRO chief, Dr. Narayanan will oversee several crucial missions, including:
- Chandrayaan-4
- Gaganyaan Mission (India’s first human spaceflight program)
- Venus Mission
- Mangalyaan-2
- Development of the Reusable Launch Vehicle
With his extensive background in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, Dr. Narayanan is positioned to lead ISRO into its next phase of space exploration and technological advancement, focusing particularly on human spaceflight capabilities and next-generation launch vehicles.