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V Narayanan Appointed New ISRO Chairman: Powering India’s Space Future

CURRENT AFFAIRS: V Narayanan ISRO Chairman 2025, Successor of S Somanath, GSLV Mk III Cryogenic Mission, Gaganyaan Leadership, Chandrayaan-3 Chief, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, ISRO

V Narayanan Appointed New ISRO Chairman: Powering India’s Space Future

From Tamil Nadu to the Top of ISRO

V Narayanan Appointed New ISRO Chairman: Powering India’s Space Future : On January 7, 2025, Dr. V Narayanan was appointed as the new Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space, officially assuming office on January 14, 2025. A native of Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Narayanan’s journey from a small-town student to India’s top space scientist is inspiring. With an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur (Silver Medalist) and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, he brings deep scientific expertise to India’s most prestigious scientific role.

A Four-Decade Legacy in Rocket Science

Joining ISRO in 1984, Dr. Narayanan has been a core figure in the evolution of India’s rocket propulsion systems. His early work contributed to ASLV and PSLV programs, and later, he became Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in 2018. Under his leadership, India made major advances in cryogenic engine technology, powering heavy-lift missions and interplanetary ventures.

Key Missions That Define His Legacy

  • GSLV Mk III (LVM3): As Project Director, he led the development of India’s heaviest rocket, which now powers the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
  • Chandrayaan-2 & 3: His cryogenic expertise enabled precision engine control crucial for lunar maneuvers.
  • Gaganyaan Human Rating: He oversaw safety upgrades to make LVM3 human-rated for India’s first manned mission.
  • His propulsion systems also contribute to India’s satellite launch services, making ISRO a player in the global space economy.

Honours and Awards: Celebrating Scientific Excellence

Dr. Narayanan has been recognised for his outstanding service with:

  • Gold Medal – Astronautical Society of India
  • ISRO Outstanding Achievement Award
  • Distinguished Alumni Award – IIT Kharagpur
  • Honorary Doctorate – Sathyabama University (2018)
  • National Design Award (2019)

These accolades reflect his technical innovation and strategic thinking in space engineering.

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Topic Details
New ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan
Appointment Date January 7, 2025
Assumes Office January 14, 2025
Predecessor S Somanath
Birthplace Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu
Education M.Tech (IIT Kharagpur), Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering
Joined ISRO 1984
Key Roles LPSC Director, GSLV Mk III Project Head
Major Missions GSLV Mk III, Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan
ISRO Founded 1969 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai

 

V Narayanan Appointed New ISRO Chairman: Powering India’s Space Future
  1. V Narayanan has been appointed as the new Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space effective January 14, 2025.
  2. He succeeds S Somanath, who led ISRO through historic missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1.
  3. With 40 years of experience, Dr. Narayanan brings deep expertise in rocket propulsion and a vision to elevate India’s space programme
  4. Born in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Narayanan rose from humble beginnings, excelling in education and engineering.
  5. He holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering (first rank), an Tech in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur (Silver Medal), and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering.
  6. Narayanan joined ISRO in 1984 and contributed to the early missions like ASLV and PSLV, laying the foundation for India’s self-reliant space launch capabilities.
  7. As Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) since 2018, he led the development of India’s most complex rocket engines.
  8. He played a key role in the development and operationalization of GSLV Mk III (LVM3), ISRO’s most powerful rocket for heavier satellite launches.
  9. His expertise in cryogenic engines helped in precision engine development for Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 lunar missions.
  10. Narayanan was instrumental in human-rating LVM3, making it safe for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
  11. He has received prestigious awards, including the Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India and the Outstanding Achievement Award from ISRO.
  12. Narayanan was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by IIT Kharagpur and received the National Design Award in 2019.
  13. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Sathyabama University in 2018.
  14. Narayanan’s strategic vision for ISRO includes human spaceflight, reusable launch vehicles, and advanced propulsion technologies.
  15. He aims to strengthen ISRO’s global partnerships, focusing on satellite launch collaborations, space sustainability, and climate monitoring.
  16. His background in propulsion positions ISRO for greater achievements in deep space exploration and participation in Lunar Gateway
  17. Narayanan’s leadership is set to enhance India’s space diplomacy and strengthen its position in global commercial space markets.
  18. ISRO was founded in 1969 by Vikram Sarabhai, and Dr. Narayanan’s appointment continues the legacy of self-reliance and innovation.
  19. ISRO’s missions under Dr. Narayanan’s leadership will push for global collaboration in low-Earth orbit, lunar economy, and space-based energy.
  20. V Narayanan’s journey from Nagercoil to ISRO Chairman symbolizes the spirit of innovation, inspiring future generations in science, technology, and space exploration.

Q1. When was Dr. V Narayanan appointed as the Chairman of ISRO?

Q2. When will Dr. V Narayanan officially take office as ISRO Chairman?

Q3. Who is Dr. V Narayanan succeeding as ISRO Chairman?

Q4. Where was Dr. V Narayanan born?

Q5. Which prestigious institution did Dr. V Narayanan attend for his M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering?

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