Dr. V. Narayanan has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), succeeding S. Somanath. He is scheduled to assume office on January 14, 2025, for a two-year term.
Born in 1964 in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Narayanan holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. He joined ISRO in 1984 and has been instrumental in the development of India’s cryogenic propulsion systems. As the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) since 2018, he oversaw the development of liquid, semi-cryogenic, and cryogenic propulsion stages for launch vehicles, as well as chemical and electric propulsion systems for satellites.
Under his leadership, ISRO aims to achieve significant milestones, including building a space station by 2035 and conducting a manned moon mission by 2040. The agency also plans to increase India’s share in the global commercial space market from $8 billion to $44 billion over the next decade.
Dr. Narayanan’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as ISRO continues to expand its capabilities and international collaborations in space exploration.
Career at ISRO
- Joined ISRO: 1984, as a part of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
- Major Contributions:
- Played a pivotal role in the development of India’s cryogenic propulsion systems, a critical technology for heavy-lift and interplanetary missions.
- Contributed to the GSLV Mk II and Mk III launch vehicles, which utilized cryogenic stages developed under his leadership.
- Worked on the semi-cryogenic propulsion project, aimed at enhancing ISRO’s launch capabilities.
- Led the development of electric propulsion systems for satellites, increasing the operational lifespan and efficiency of Indian spacecraft.
- Positions Held:
- Director of the LPSC (2018–2025): Oversaw key advancements in propulsion technologies for launch vehicles and spacecraft.
- Instrumental in PSLV and GSLV mission successes, which positioned ISRO as a major player in the global space launch market.
Awards and Recognitions
- Received prestigious awards, including:
- The ISRO Performance Excellence Award for his contributions to propulsion systems.
- The National Aeronautical Prize by the Aeronautical Society of India.
- Recognition from various international organizations for his work on cryogenic technology.
Vision for ISRO
As ISRO’s Chairman, Dr. Narayanan aims to:
- Develop a space station by 2035 and conduct a manned lunar mission by 2040.
- Enhance India’s share in the global space economy by focusing on commercial satellite launches and collaborations with global space agencies.
- Advance research in reusable launch vehicles and deep-space exploration.
Personal Traits
- Known for his meticulous problem-solving skills and collaborative leadership style, Dr. Narayanan has inspired a generation of young scientists at ISRO.
- A firm believer in harnessing indigenous technology to propel India to the forefront of space exploration.
Dr. Narayanan’s leadership is expected to steer ISRO into its next phase of growth, marked by ambitious missions and an increasing role in international space collaborations.
About S. Somanath
S. Somanath, the outgoing Chairman of ISRO, is a highly respected aerospace engineer known for his expertise in launch vehicle design and development. He served as ISRO Chairman from January 2022 to January 2025, leading the organization through several critical milestones in India’s space program.
Early Life and Education
- Full Name: Sreedhara Panicker Somanath
- Born: July 14, 1963, in Aroor, Kerala, India.
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala.
- Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, specializing in structural dynamics and control.
Career at ISRO
- Joined ISRO: 1985, at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
- Key Contributions:
- Played a pivotal role in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle.
- Contributed to the design of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and its Mark III variant (later renamed LVM-3).
- Specialized in structural design, dynamic analysis, and system integration of launch vehicles.
- Leadership Roles:
- Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC): Worked on advancements in cryogenic and liquid propulsion technologies.
- Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (2018–2022): Oversaw critical missions and technology development.
Tenure as ISRO Chairman (2022–2025)
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023):
Successfully led India’s third lunar mission, achieving a historic soft landing near the Moon’s south pole, making India the first country to do so. - Aditya-L1 (2023):
Initiated India’s first solar observation mission to study the Sun’s corona and solar activity. - Gaganyaan Preparation:
Advanced the development of India’s first crewed space mission by overseeing critical tests and system readiness. - Commercial and Global Expansion:
Strengthened ISRO’s collaborations with international space agencies and commercial clients, boosting India’s presence in the global space economy.
Awards and Honors
- Padma Shri (2023): Awarded for his contributions to India’s space sector.
- Received numerous accolades for his work on PSLV and GSLV missions.
Legacy
S. Somanath’s tenure as ISRO Chairman will be remembered for major achievements like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, as well as for strengthening India’s position as a leading spacefaring nation. His efforts have laid the groundwork for future ambitious missions under ISRO’s new leadership.
