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V Narayanan is new ISRO chief
The Indian aerospace engineer will assume office from Jan.14, 2025.
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Dr V Narayanan. / ISRO
Dr V Narayanan has been named the new chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Narayanan will succeed S Somanath as the next chairman and assume office from Jan.14.
Dr. V. Narayanan, a distinguished Rocket and Spacecraft Propulsion expert, joined ISRO in 1984 and has since held several key roles before becoming the Director of the Centre. Initially, he spent 4.5 years at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), contributing to the Solid Propulsion systems of Sounding Rockets, the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). His work focused on process planning, control, and realization of Ablative nozzle systems, Composite motor cases, and Igniter cases.
In 1989, Dr. Narayanan earned an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering with top honors from IIT-Kharagpur and joined the Cryogenic Propulsion program at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). His efforts were pivotal in the development of cryogenic propulsion systems for ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLV Mk-II and Mk-III), enabling them to deploy 2-tonne and 4-tonne communication satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
As one of the early contributors to ISRO’s cryogenic program, Dr. Narayanan conducted extensive research and experimental studies, resulting in successful developments like the Gas Generator, a 1-tonne sub-scale cryogenic engine, and a 12-tonne thrust chamber. Recognizing the long lead time for indigenous cryogenic development, ISRO initially procured cryogenic stage hardware from Russia. Dr. Narayanan played a crucial role in mission management, contract handling, and the successful deployment of GSLV Mk-II with these stages.
When geopolitical constraints blocked technology transfer, Dr. Narayanan spearheaded the indigenous development of the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), making it operational for GSLV Mk-II. He also led the development of the Passive Cryogenic Stage for the GSLV Mk-III experimental mission with the CARE module. As Project Director of the C25 Cryogenic Project, he provided leadership in designing and developing the 25-tonne cryogenic propulsion system for GSLV Mk-III, powered by a 200 kN engine. Under his guidance, the C25 stage was realized in record time, underwent successful tests, and was inducted into operational use.
Dr. Narayanan’s contributions established India among the select nations capable of developing advanced cryogenic propulsion systems, achieving significant self-reliance in space technology.
Born in a farmer family, his early years were in a small village near Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu. Former ISRO chief congratulated Narayanan on his new role saying: “He’s like me, rose from poverty to the top.”
Dr. Narayanan has received several awards, including the Silver Medal from IIT Kharagpur for First Rank in M.Tech., the Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), and the ASI Award for Rocket and Related Technologies.
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