The Government of India has appointed Dr V Narayanan as the new Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). An official order from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet confirmed that Narayanan will assume office on January 14, succeeding the incumbent, S Somanath. His tenure has been set for two years, or until further notice.
A Distinguished Career in Space Science
Dr V Narayanan, a renowned expert in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, is currently the Director of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). With a career spanning nearly four decades, he joined ISRO in 1984 and has held several key positions, contributing significantly to India’s space exploration endeavors.
Narayanan began his journey at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), working in the Solid Propulsion area of Sounding Rockets, Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). He played a pivotal role in the process planning and realisation of advanced systems like Ablative nozzle systems, composite motor cases, and igniter cases.
Educational Accomplishments and Early Career
An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, Narayanan graduated with a first-rank Gold Medal in M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering in 1989. He later earned a doctorate in Aerospace Engineering in 2001. Before joining ISRO, he worked briefly with TI Diamond Chain Ltd, Madras Rubber Factory, and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
Leadership at LPSC
As the Director of LPSC since January 2018, Narayanan has provided techno-managerial leadership in the development of liquid, semi-cryogenic, and cryogenic propulsion stages for launch vehicles. His expertise extends to chemical and electric propulsion systems for satellites, control systems for launch vehicles, and transducers for space system health monitoring. Under his guidance, LPSC developed and delivered 183 Liquid Propulsion Systems and Control Power Plants for various ISRO missions.
Narayanan’s contributions have been instrumental in several landmark ISRO missions:
Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3: As the Chairman of the National Expert Committee, he analysed the hard landing of Chandrayaan-2 and spearheaded corrective actions. His team realised and delivered all propulsion systems for Chandrayaan-3, enabling its historic success.
GSLV Mk III Development: As the Project Director for the C25 Cryogenic Project, he led the development of the C25 stage powered by a 20-tonne thrust engine using liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. This development was crucial for the operational success of GSLV Mk III, India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle.
Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS): Amidst international restrictions, Narayanan played a critical role in developing indigenous cryogenic technology for GSLV Mk-II vehicles, marking a milestone in India’s space capabilities.
Awards and Recognitions
- Dr Narayanan’s illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades:
- Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India (ASI)
- Silver Medal from IIT Kharagpur
- National Design Award from NDRF
- Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) from Sathyabama University, Chennai
- ASI’s Award for Rocket and Related Technologies
- Team Award from the High Energy Materials Society of India
Narayanan chairs the Project Management Council-Space Transportation System (PMC-STS) and the National Level Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB) for Gaganyaan, India’s ambitious human spaceflight programme. With his vast experience and expertise, he is expected to lead ISRO into a new era of innovation and exploration.
Legacy of S Somanath
Narayanan’s predecessor, S Somanath, took charge as ISRO’s Chairman in January 2022. His tenure witnessed groundbreaking achievements, including India becoming the first nation to land a rover on the Moon’s south pole and joining the exclusive group of nations capable of achieving a soft landing on the Moon. Somanath’s leadership has set a high benchmark for Narayanan.
