Dr. V Narayanan has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), set to officially take charge on January 14, 2025. He will succeed S. Somnath, who has led the organization since January 2022. This appointment was confirmed by an official notification from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Background of Dr. V Narayanan
Dr. Narayanan is a distinguished scientist with nearly 40 years of experience in the Indian space sector, specializing in rocket and spacecraft propulsion. He currently serves as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, Kerala, a key facility responsible for developing propulsion systems for various ISRO missions.
Key Achievements
- Project Director for C25 Cryogenic Project: Dr. Narayanan played a crucial role in developing the C25 Stage for the GSLV Mk III vehicle, which is vital for India’s satellite launch capabilities.
- Liquid Propulsion Systems: Under his leadership at LPSC, the center has delivered 183 Liquid Propulsion Systems and Control Power plants for various missions, including notable contributions to the PSLV and GSLV programs.
- Human Rated Certification Board: He chairs this board for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send humans into space.
Future Prospects
Dr. Narayanan’s term as ISRO Chairman will last for two years, during which he is expected to continue advancing India’s space technology. His leadership comes at a pivotal time as ISRO prepares for upcoming missions, including Chandrayaan 4, aimed at lunar exploration, and the Gaganyaan mission, which marks India’s entry into human spaceflight.
Recent Developments at ISRO
Recently, ISRO successfully launched SpaDex, a domestically developed space docking technology essential for future missions. This achievement places India among a select group of nations with such advanced capabilities.
Conclusion
Dr. V Narayanan’s extensive experience and proven track record in propulsion systems position him well to lead ISRO into its next phase of growth and innovation in space exploration.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on official announcements and recent news reports.
