Dr V Narayanan, a distinguished scientist and expert in propulsion systems, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Currently serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Dr V Narayanan will assume his new role on January 14. This announcement, made by the Central Government, also designates him as the Secretary of the Department of Space. He will succeed Dr S Somanath, the outgoing ISRO Chief, who has overseen several milestone missions during his tenure.
A Career Dedicated to Advancing Indian Space Technology
Dr V Narayanan joined ISRO in 1984, embarking on a career that would span decades and significantly impact India’s space capabilities. Early in his career, he contributed to the development of solid propellant-based engines for the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), an early iteration of India’s launch vehicles. While the ASLV never became operational due to development challenges, these early experiences laid the groundwork for Dr V Narayanan’s future achievements.
One of his most notable contributions was leading ISRO’s efforts in cryogenic propulsion technology. After earning an MTech in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, Dr V Narayanan became one of the pioneering scientists in this specialized field within ISRO. His research and experimental work enabled India to develop indigenous cryogenic engines, a capability achieved by only a handful of countries worldwide. This was a remarkable feat, especially given the geopolitical challenges that prevented India from acquiring cryogenic technology from Russia in the 1990s.
Key Contributions to India’s Space Program
As the project director for cryogenic propulsion systems, Dr V Narayanan and his team successfully conceived, designed, and operationalized these advanced engines, which are now integral to India’s LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3). The LVM3, India’s heaviest and most powerful launch vehicle, was first operationalized during the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Despite the mission’s hard landing, the vehicle’s performance was flawless.
Dr V Narayanan also played a critical role in identifying and addressing issues from the Chandrayaan-2 mission. As Chairman of the National Expert Committee, he pinpointed the factors contributing to the hard landing and recommended corrective measures. These improvements were incorporated into Chandrayaan-3, which successfully achieved a soft landing on the lunar surface in August 2023, making India the fourth country in the world to accomplish this feat.
The Next Generation Launch Vehicle
Under Dr V Narayanan’s leadership, LPSC has been working on the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), a critical component of India’s future space exploration goals. The NGLV is envisioned as a heavy-lift rocket capable of carrying payloads up to 30 tonnes to low Earth orbit, compared to the LVM3’s current capacity of 8 tonnes. This development is crucial for India’s ambitions of establishing its own space station and executing manned lunar missions. The NGLV will serve as the backbone of these initiatives, enabling ISRO to undertake more complex and ambitious missions.
Pivotal Role in the Gaganyaan Mission
Dr V Narayanan’s expertise extends to ISRO’s much-anticipated Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space. LPSC has been tasked with developing the propulsion systems for the crew and service modules, ensuring the mission’s success and the safety of its astronauts. This project marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a major player in human space exploration.
A Visionary Leader for ISRO’s Future
Dr V Narayanan’s appointment as ISRO Chief comes at a pivotal time. With his extensive experience in propulsion systems and his proven track record of leading high-stakes projects, he is well-equipped to guide ISRO into its next phase of growth. His leadership is expected to drive innovations in space technology, expand international collaborations, and accelerate India’s efforts in establishing a sustained presence in space.
As India looks ahead to ambitious projects such as the NGLV, Gaganyaan, and its space station, Dr V Narayanan’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in achieving these goals. His contributions to ISRO’s cryogenic propulsion capabilities have already solidified his legacy, and his tenure as Chairman is poised to further elevate India’s status in global space exploration.