V Narayanan appointed as new ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space

Who is V Narayanan, an IIT Graduate to take over as ISRO chief after S Somanath?

The Indian government has appointed V Narayanan as the new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space. He will assume office on January 14, 2025, succeeding S Somanath, whose term ends on the same day. According to the official announcement by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on January 7, 2025, Narayanan’s tenure will last for two years.

Who is ISRO’s new chief?

V Narayanan comes from a humble background, having studied in Tamil-medium schools. He holds an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, where he was awarded a silver medal for securing the top rank in his M.Tech program.

Narayanan joined ISRO in 1984 and brings nearly 40 years of experience in India’s space program. Renowned for his rocket and spacecraft propulsion expertise, he has made significant contributions to developing liquid, semi-cryogenic, and cryogenic propulsion systems used in ISRO rockets.

Career highlights

The Appointments Committee announced that Narayanan, who currently heads the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, will also serve as the Chairman of the Space Commission and lead ISRO.

• Cryogenic Engine Pioneer: Narayanan played a pivotal role in developing India’s cryogenic engine technology, a milestone for the country as other nations did not share this critical technology.
• LPSC Leadership: Under his leadership, the LPSC has developed propulsion and control systems for satellites and advanced propulsion systems for rockets, including liquid and cryogenic engines.
• Major ISRO Contributions: He has been involved in key ISRO missions, such as the GSLV Mk-III and the Aditya Spacecraft.

Awards and recognition

Narayanan’s contributions have been widely recognized:

• Distinguished Alumni Award from IIT Kharagpur.
• Shri Award from the Astronautical Society of India.

With his appointment, Narayanan is set to guide ISRO into a new era of technological advancements and space exploration. His leadership is expected to drive India’s space program to greater heights, leveraging his extensive experience and expertise.

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