Dr. V Narayanan is a 11th Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He Assumed office on 14 January 2025, succeeding S. Somanath. He was Served as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) from 23 January 2018 to 13 January 2025, also succeeding S. Somanath in this role.
Name: Dr. V. Narayanan
Personal Information:
Born: 1964 (age 60–61) in Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Education: He completed M.Tech. in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur and earned a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur.
Profession: Indian Aerospace Engineer and Rocket Technologist
Field of Expertise: Cryogenic propulsion, liquid propulsion systems, rocket technology
Early Life and Education
He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Madras University. Following this, he completed his Master’s degree in Cryogenic Engineerin from the Indian Institute Technology Kharagpur, Later, he earned his doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, specializing in cryogenic propulsion.
Career at ISRO
Narayanan joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) early in his career and became one of the organization’s most respected scientists. Over the decades, he made significant contributions to India’s space program, particularly in the areas of propulsion and cryogenics.
Key Roles and Achievements:
- Cryogenic Propulsion Systems:
- Narayanan was instrumental in the development of India’s cryogenic propulsion technology, which is essential for heavy-lift launch vehicles like the GSLV Mk-II and GSLV Mk-III (now LVM3).
- He played a critical role in the successful deployment of the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) for the GSLV, a milestone in Indian space exploration.
- Leadership Roles:
- He served as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), the ISRO facility responsible for designing and developing liquid propulsion systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft.
- Under his leadership, LPSC achieved numerous milestones, including the development of the CE-20 cryogenic engine used in GSLV Mk-III.
- Contributions to Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan Missions:
- Narayanan contributed to propulsion systems for India’s prestigious Chandrayaan-1 and Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
- Development of Semi-Cryogenic Technology:
- He has also worked on India’s upcoming semi-cryogenic engine, a next-generation propulsion technology to enhance ISRO’s payload capabilities.
Awards and Honors
- Padma Shri (2023): V. Narayanan was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his outstanding contributions to science and technology.
- Other recognitions include various ISRO excellence awards and accolades for his pioneering work in cryogenics and propulsion systems.
Legacy
V. Narayanan’s work has positioned India as one of the few countries in the world with indigenous cryogenic engine capabilities. His vision and leadership have been pivotal in advancing India’s space exploration goals, including lunar and interplanetary missions.
Personal Life
While Narayanan is known to keep his personal life private, he is deeply committed to mentoring young engineers and scientists in the field of aerospace technology.
Contributions in Publications
Narayanan has authored several research papers and articles in international journals on cryogenics and propulsion systems, sharing insights into the challenges and advancements in space technology.
Future Vision
As a key figure in ISRO, Narayanan continues to guide India’s endeavors in deep space exploration, including Gaganyaan (India’s human spaceflight program), Chandrayaan-3, and upcoming interplanetary missions.
