Who is V Narayanan? The rocket scientist ready to lead ISRO’s next moon mission

Dr V. Narayanan has been appointed the new Chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space, succeeding Dr S. Somanath on January 14, 2025. A distinguished rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert, Narayanan brings decades of experience to the role. He has been with ISRO since 1984, contributing to the agency’s rise as a global leader in space exploration and satellite technology. Narayanan’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment, as India’s space agency embarks on ambitious projects like the Gaganyaan human spaceflight and the development of a national space station.

A Journey from Humble Beginnings to Space Leadership

Born in a farming family in Melakattuvilai, Kanyakumari district, Narayanan’s early life was marked by modest means. His family did not have electricity until he was in Class IX, yet he excelled academically, eventually topping his school in Class X. He went on to pursue his higher education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he earned an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering in 1989 and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering in 2001.

Narayanan’s ISRO journey began in 1984 when he joined the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) to work on solid propulsion. His contributions there laid the foundation for his later work in cryogenic propulsion at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Kerala, which he has led since 2018.

Also Read: V Narayanan to take over as ISRO head on January 14, following S Somanath’s tenure

Key Contributions to ISRO’s Milestones

Narayanan’s expertise in propulsion systems has been crucial in ISRO’s success. He played a pivotal role in the development of cryogenic engines, a technology that India initially sought to acquire from Russia but ultimately developed independently due to geopolitical challenges. As project director, Narayanan led the team that created the cryogenic propulsion systems for the LVM3 rocket, which carries India’s heaviest payloads to space. His work enabled India to become the sixth country in the world capable of building and deploying cryogenic engines.

Notably, Narayanan’s team also designed the propulsion systems for the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which faced a setback with the crash landing of the Vikram Lander. Narayanan was appointed Chairman of the Failure Analysis Committee, where he identified the causes of the failure and recommended corrective measures. These improvements were integral to the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 in 2023, marking a significant achievement for India as the fourth country to land on the Moon.

Also Read: ISRO's SpadeX Chaser satellite captures first video of Earth from space ahead of historic docking

Leading ISRO Through an Exciting New Era

In his new role, Narayanan takes on a series of monumental tasks. Under his leadership, ISRO will continue its critical space missions, including the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight, and the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission. Narayanan’s team at LPSC is also working on the development of a new generation of launch vehicles, including a heavy-lift vehicle for India’s future space station and a manned mission to the Moon.

Narayanan is keenly aware of the growing role that private industry will play in India’s space ambitions. He believes that expanding the role of private players in satellite deployment and other commercial activities is crucial to meeting the increasing demand for space services. Speaking to The Hindu, he noted, "The ISRO on its own cannot meet this requirement. The reforms will help in this area. We have been giving opportunities to the private sector and the startup ecosystem." This policy shift, which encourages private sector involvement, will also aid in India's broader goal of capturing a larger share of the global space economy.

Vision for the Future

Narayanan’s vision for the future of ISRO includes expanding India's satellite presence, improving strategic and societal applications, and enhancing the country's contribution to global space exploration. He noted that while ISRO’s development was initially supported by collaborations with other spacefaring nations, the agency today commands respect for its capabilities.

With a clear roadmap for the future, including plans for missions to Mars, Venus, and the development of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, Narayanan is poised to guide ISRO into a new era of space exploration. He is committed to advancing India’s space programme and making India a significant player in the global space economy.

Dr. Narayanan is married to Kavitharaj N.K., and they have two children: a daughter, Divyaa, and a son, Kalesh. His leadership is built on a strong foundation of technical expertise, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to India’s space programme.

As he prepares to take over as ISRO’s Chairperson, as told to The Hindu, Narayanan described the role as both "a great responsibility" and a "great opportunity to follow in the footsteps of stalwarts who led the ISRO over the decades." His tenure promises to be a defining period in India’s space exploration efforts, with his vast experience ensuring the continued success of ISRO’s ambitious goals.