Meet V Narayanan, the rocket scientist ready to lead ISRO’s next moon mission

Dubai: Dr. V. Narayanan, an eminent rocket propulsion expert and a key architect of India’s indigenous cryogenic engine technology, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space. He will assume office on January 14, 2025, succeeding S. Somanath for a tenure of two years. Dr. Narayanan will also chair the Space Commission.

The announcement, made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on January 8, marks a significant milestone in his career. Currently serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, Kerala, Dr. Narayanan has been pivotal in advancing India’s space propulsion systems.

Dr. Narayanan’s journey from a village without electricity to becoming the head of ISRO is inspirational. Born in Melakattu Vilai, a village in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari District, his family lived without electricity until he was in Class IX. Despite these challenges, he topped his school in Class X, according to The Economic Times.

He earned a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME) and an Associate Membership in Mechanical Engineering from the Institution of Engineers (AMIE). He later pursued an M.Tech. in Cryogenic Engineering and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kharagpur.

Dr. Narayanan began his career at ISRO in 1984, working on solid propulsion systems for Sounding Rockets, the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). In 2018, he became the Director of LPSC, where he led the development of cutting-edge propulsion technologies for launch vehicles and satellites.

One of his standout contributions is his leadership in developing India’s cryogenic propulsion technology. As Project Director for the GSLV Mk III C25 Cryogenic Project, he led the team that designed the C25 Cryogenic Stage, which uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen to generate a 20-tonne thrust engine (Times of India). This stage powered the GSLV Mk III vehicle, enabling India’s Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions.

He also played a critical role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, where India became the first country to successfully land on the Moon’s south pole. His work extended to developing the L110 Liquid Stage and C25 Cryogenic Stage for LVM3, vital for transporting spacecraft into lunar orbit, Hindustan Times said.

In the Gaganyaan programme, according to IANS news service, Dr. Narayanan has been instrumental in human-rating the LVM3 vehicle and its propulsion systems. He oversaw the Environmental Control and Safety Systems for the Crew and Service modules and led the successful demonstration of the crew escape system.

According to IANS, Dr. Narayanan was also responsible for key aspects of the Gaganyaan mission, including the development of human-rated L110 and C32 Cryogenic Stages. Additionally, he contributed to the propulsion systems for the Service and Crew modules, emphasizing their safety and reliability.

His work has not only been crucial for lunar and human spaceflight missions but also for fostering advancements in India’s broader space exploration goals.

Dr. Narayanan’s appointment comes at a time when ISRO is poised for major milestones, including the Chandrayaan-4 mission, Gaganyaan, and the development of an Indian space station. He has expressed his desire to take ISRO “to greater heights” by capitalising on the nation’s immense talent pool, he has told the Times of India.

Dr. Narayanan has been honoured with multiple accolades, including a Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India and the ASI Award for Rocket and Related Technologies. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering, the Institution of Engineers (India), and the Aeronautical Society of India.

As Dr. Narayanan steps into his new role, he is expected to guide India’s space programme into a transformative phase, solidifying its position as a global space superpower.