In a significant leadership transition, Dr. V Narayanan, a distinguished expert in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He will assume the role on January 14, 2025, succeeding the current chief, S. Somanath.
An official order from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet announced that Dr. Narayanan will lead ISRO and the Space Commission for a two-year term or until further directives.
Dr. Narayanan, currently the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), has been a pivotal force in India’s space program since joining ISRO in 1984. His early work in solid propulsion for Sounding Rockets and the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) laid the groundwork for future advancements in the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) program. He also played a critical role in the development of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles, GSLV Mk-II and GSLV Mk-III.
As Chairman of the National Expert Committee for the Chandrayaan-2 lander analysis, Dr. Narayanan was instrumental in identifying improvements that led to the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. Under his leadership, all propulsion systems for Chandrayaan-3 were realized and delivered.
Dr. Narayanan’s appointment follows an era of landmark achievements under S. Somanath, including the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, Aditya L1 solar observatory launch, and the first developmental flight of Gaganyaan, India’s ambitious human spaceflight program.
Dr. Narayanan at the helm, ISRO is poised to achieve even greater milestones, continuing India’s legacy as a global space leader.
