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, as per an official announcement on Tuesday. Narayanan will assume office on January 14, 2025, succeeding the current ISRO chairman, S Somanath.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Narayanan’s appointment for a tenure of two years or until further orders. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions confirmed the decision, stating:
“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri V. Narayanan, Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Valiamala as Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission for a period of two years with effect from 14.01.2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”
About V Narayanan
V Narayanan, a distinguished scientist, is currently serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, Kerala. With nearly four decades of experience in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, Narayanan is a recognized expert in his field.
Narayanan began his career with ISRO in 1984, initially working in the Solid Propulsion area for Sounding Rockets, the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
Over the years, he has made significant contributions to process planning, control, and the realization of ablative nozzle systems, composite motor cases, and composite igniter cases.
Currently, as the Director of the LPSC, Narayanan oversees one of ISRO’s key centers, which focuses on liquid propulsion technology, with headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram and a unit in Bangalore.
Future Leadership
Narayanan’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as India’s space program continues to achieve remarkable milestones, including lunar and interplanetary missions. His expertise in propulsion systems is expected to play a crucial role in driving ISRO’s upcoming projects and enhancing its global stature in space exploration.
The scientific community and stakeholders have expressed optimism about Narayanan’s leadership, anticipating further advancements in India’s space technology under his tenure.