V Narayanan Is ISRO's New Chairman - Full Bio Of IITian, Cryogenic Engine Developer Scientist

Dr. V Narayanan, an acclaimed expert in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, will assume the role of ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space on January 14, succeeding S Somanath. V Narayanan is renowned for his work in rocket and spacecraft propulsion and has been involved in transformative developments in propulsion technologies and space missions.

Dr. Narayanan played a key role in formulating ISRO's propulsion roadmap for 2017–2037 and guiding the research and development activities in liquid propulsion. During his tenure as Director of LPSC, 164 propulsion systems were delivered for 41 launch vehicle missions and 31 spacecraft missions.

V Narayanan: Academic Excellence

Narayanan earned his MTech in Cryogenic Engineering and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. He topped his MTech course and received the institute's Silver Medal. Directly through academic work, Narayanan helped advance cryogenic propulsion systems.

Narayanan: Leading Cryogenic Propulsion

India faced geopolitical challenges in acquiring cryogenic technology in the 1980s. Dr. Narayanan led ISRO's efforts to indigenously develop cryogenic engines, which are critical for launching heavy satellites. His leadership ensured the operational success of the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) for GSLV Mk-II and the advanced C25 cryogenic stage for GSLV Mk-III. 

These achievements placed India among the few nations mastering this complex technology.
Under his leadership at ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Dr. Narayanan worked on advancing cutting-edge technologies, including:
 

• Semi-cryogenic engines to carry higher payloads.
• LOX-Methane engines and electric propulsion systems.
• Next-generation propulsion systems for future heavy-lift rockets.

Narayanan: Chandrayaan Missions and Beyond

Dr. Narayanan played a pivotal role in India’s lunar missions. As a key contributor to Chandrayaan-2, he led the analysis of its challenges and applied lessons learned to Chandrayaan-3’s successful moon landing. He also contributed to the propulsion systems for India’s solar mission, Aditya-L1, and the human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan.

Narayanan: Honors and Recognition

He is also a Fellow of several international prestigious scientific and engineering institutions. Narayanan’s contributions have earned him numerous awards, including:

• Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India.
• Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Kharagpur.
• National Aeronautical Prize from the Aeronautical Society of India.
   

Leadership in Human Spaceflight

As the Chairman of the Human Rated Certification Board, Dr Narayanan is spearheading the development of propulsion systems for Gaganyaan, thus ensuring safety and reliability for India's maiden human space flight mission.

ISRO is ready to welcome its new Chairman, Dr V Narayanan man of clear vision and outstanding technical experience who has seen the Indian space program take place in the limelight of global repute.

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