V Narayanan to Succeed S Somanath as ISRO Chairman: All You Need to Know

V Narayanan, a distinguished rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert, will succeed S Somanath as ISRO chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space. Learn about his legacy and future role starting January 14, 2025.

V Narayanan to Succeed S Somanath as ISRO Chairman: All You Need to Know

In a landmark decision, the Union government announced the appointment of V Narayanan as the new chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space. The transition is set to take place on January 14, 2025, when Narayanan will succeed the incumbent, S Somanath, marking the beginning of a new era for ISRO.

Key Details of the Appointment

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) issued an official order confirming Narayanan’s appointment.

“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,” the statement read.

Narayanan’s tenure will last two years, or until further notice, as per the Cabinet order.

Who Is V Narayanan?

V Narayanan is a distinguished scientist with nearly four decades of expertise in rocket and spacecraft propulsion technologies. He has been an integral part of ISRO since 1984 and has served in various capacities, contributing significantly to India’s space program.

Key Contributions and Career Highlights

Early Career at ISRO:
Narayanan began his career in the Solid Propulsion division, working on projects like the Sounding Rockets, Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
Pioneering Propulsion Technologies:
- Played a crucial role in process planning and realisation of critical systems like Ablative nozzle systems, composite motor cases, and composite igniter cases.
- Contributed to the advancement of India’s liquid propulsion systems, a core component of ISRO’s success in satellite launch missions.
Leadership at LPSC:
Currently serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Narayanan oversees one of ISRO’s key divisions.
- LPSC focuses on the development of liquid propulsion systems used in launch vehicles and spacecraft.
- The centre has its headquarters at Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, with a unit in Bengaluru.

ISRO’s Achievements Under V Narayanan’s Leadership

Narayanan’s leadership at LPSC has significantly bolstered ISRO’s capabilities, particularly in propulsion systems. Notable advancements include:

SpaDex (Space Docking Experiment):
- A landmark achievement in indigenous space docking technology, essential for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan.
- Puts India among an elite group of nations, including the United States, Russia, and China, capable of performing such advanced space operations.
Propulsion Innovations for Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan:
- Played a pivotal role in designing propulsion systems for ISRO’s flagship lunar and manned space exploration missions.

The Road Ahead for ISRO

As the new chairman of ISRO, Narayanan is poised to lead the organisation into its next chapter of growth and innovation. With India’s ambitious space exploration roadmap, including:

Human Spaceflight Mission (Gaganyaan):
Ensuring the success of India’s maiden manned mission to space.
Chandrayaan-4:
Continuing India’s exploration of the Moon.
Expanding Space Applications:
- Strengthening satellite launches for communications, navigation, and Earth observation.
- Collaborating on international space initiatives and fostering private-sector participation in the space ecosystem.
Developing Advanced Propulsion Systems:
Maintaining India’s edge in space propulsion technologies to support interplanetary missions.

Significance of Narayanan’s Appointment

Narayanan’s appointment comes at a time when ISRO is scaling new heights, from exploring the Moon and Mars to launching cutting-edge satellites. His extensive experience in propulsion and system development will be instrumental in:

Enhancing ISRO’s technical capabilities.
Fostering international collaborations.
Supporting India’s rise as a global leader in space technology.

The appointment of V Narayanan as ISRO chairman marks a significant milestone in India’s space journey. With decades of expertise and a proven track record, Narayanan is set to steer ISRO toward achieving greater milestones, cementing India’s position as a global space power.

As the organization prepares for landmark missions and cutting-edge innovations, Narayanan’s leadership promises a future filled with achievements and technological advancements for ISRO and the nation.

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