V Narayanan Isro Biography:V. Narayanan, born in 1964 in Melakattu village near Nagercoil in Kanyakumari District, is an esteemed Indian aerospace engineer and rocket technologist. He earned his M.Tech. in Cryogenic Engineering with First Rank from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur in 1989 and later completed his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the same institution in 2001.
Narayanan commenced his career at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1984, contributing to various projects before becoming the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in January 2018. During his early tenure, he played a pivotal role in the realization of Solid Propulsion Systems for Rohini Sounding Rockets and the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle.
Throughout his nearly four-decade-long career, Narayanan has been instrumental in major ISRO projects, including the development of the CE20 Cryogenic Engine for the GSLV Mk III.
On January 14, 2025, Narayanan is set to assume the position of Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space, succeeding S. Somanath. His appointment comes as India aims to expand its share in the global space market, targeting a $40 billion slice by 2040.
Narayanan’s extensive experience and leadership are expected to steer ISRO into a new era of advancements and achievements in space exploration.
Bio Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | V. Narayanan |
| Date of Birth | 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Melakattu village, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Education | – M.Tech. in Cryogenic Engineering, IIT Kharagpur (1989, First Rank) |
| – Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kharagpur (2001) | |
| Career Start | 1984, Joined Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) |
| Key Contributions | – Development of Solid Propulsion Systems for Rohini Sounding Rockets |
| – Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) program | |
| – Development of the CE20 Cryogenic Engine for GSLV Mk III | |
| Current Position | Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) |
| Future Appointment | Chairman of ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space (Effective: January 14, 2025) |
| Achievements | – Leadership in cryogenic propulsion systems |
| – Contribution to major ISRO launch vehicles | |
| Vision | Enhancing India’s global share in the space market and advancing space exploration. |
| Awards | Numerous recognitions for contributions to space and propulsion technologies. |
Early Life
- 1964: Born in Melakattu village, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India.
- 1984: Joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- 1989: Completed M.Tech. in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, securing First Rank.
- 2001: Earned a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur.
V. Narayanan Age
V. Narayanan, born in 1964 in Melakattu village near Nagercoil in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, is currently 60 years old as of 2024.
V. Narayanan Wife
V. Narayanan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is married; however, specific details about his wife and family are not publicly available.
Career Path
| Year | Role/Position | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Joined ISRO | Worked on Solid Propulsion Systems for Rohini Sounding Rockets and Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle. |
| 1990s | Scientist, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) | Contributed to the development of liquid propulsion systems for ISRO’s satellite launch vehicles. |
| 2000s | Project Lead, Cryogenic Propulsion Systems | Led the development of the CE20 Cryogenic Engine for GSLV Mk III. |
| 2010s | Senior Scientist, ISRO | Played a pivotal role in advancing India’s cryogenic and semi-cryogenic propulsion capabilities. |
| 2018 | Director, LPSC | Oversaw the development of liquid propulsion systems for ISRO’s missions, including Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter. |
| 2025 (Upcoming) | Chairman, ISRO & Secretary, Department of Space | Expected to lead ISRO into a new era of global space market expansion and advanced space exploration. |
Indian New Space Agency Chief
V. Narayanan, an esteemed aerospace engineer and rocket technologist, has been appointed as the Chairman of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and Secretary, Department of Space, effective January 14, 2025.
Key Highlights of His Appointment:
- Career at ISRO:
- Joined ISRO in 1984 and has been instrumental in several key projects, especially in cryogenic and liquid propulsion systems.
- Played a major role in the development of the CE20 Cryogenic Engine used in GSLV Mk III.
- Current Role:
- Serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) since 2018.
- Vision as ISRO Chief:
- Expanding India’s footprint in the global space market, targeting a $40 billion share by 2040.
- Driving ISRO’s advanced missions, including lunar exploration, interplanetary studies, and satellite development.
- Leadership Qualities:
- Known for his expertise in propulsion systems and visionary leadership in India’s space programs.
Narayanan will succeed S. Somanath, marking a new chapter for ISRO as it strengthens its position as a global space leader.
Local and Global Impact
| Domain | Impact |
|---|---|
| Local (India) | – Spearheaded advancements in indigenous cryogenic propulsion technology, reducing reliance on foreign systems. |
| – Contributed to key national missions like GSLV Mk III, Chandrayaan, and Mars Orbiter Mission. | |
| – Strengthened India’s self-reliance in space technology, boosting the Make in India initiative. | |
| – Mentored young scientists, fostering innovation and skill development in Indian space science. | |
| – Enabled cost-effective satellite launches, enhancing India’s position as a preferred launch partner for global clients. | |
| Global | – Advanced ISRO’s capabilities in launching satellites for international customers, boosting India’s reputation in the global space market. |
| – Led the development of engines like CE20, pivotal for international collaboration and heavy payload launches. | |
| – Strengthened India’s role in global space exploration projects and international partnerships. | |
| – Paved the way for India’s entry into emerging markets, targeting a $40 billion global space economy by 2040. | |
| – Promoted space diplomacy by fostering collaboration with agencies like NASA, ESA, and others. |
Key Contributions of V. Narayanan to ISRO
| Area of Contribution | Details |
|---|---|
| Cryogenic Propulsion Systems | Spearheaded the development of cryogenic engines used in GSLV Mk II and GSLV Mk III. |
| GSLV Mk III Development | Played a key role in designing propulsion systems for Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. |
| Semi-Cryogenic Technology | Led advancements in semi-cryogenic propulsion systems to enhance payload capacity of future rockets. |
| PSLV Propulsion Enhancements | Contributed to the liquid propulsion systems of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). |
| Satellite Propulsion Systems | Oversaw the development of propulsion systems for orbit correction and station-keeping of satellites. |
| Indigenous Technology Development | Promoted self-reliance by reducing dependence on foreign technologies in rocket propulsion. |
| Leadership at LPSC | As the Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), supervised the development of liquid propulsion systems for ISRO’s launch vehicles and satellites. |
Controversies
As of available public records, V. Narayanan has maintained a reputation as a dedicated and accomplished scientist with no major controversies linked to his career at ISRO or otherwise.
Awards and Recognitions of V. Narayanan
| Award/Recognition | Details |
|---|---|
| ISRO Performance Excellence Award | Recognized for exceptional contributions to India’s space program and propulsion technology development. |
| Vikram Sarabhai Research Award | Honored for his advancements in propulsion systems and contributions to space science. |
| National Aeronautical Prize | Acknowledged for innovations in rocket propulsion and space launch technology. |
| Distinguished Scientist Title | Conferred by ISRO for his leadership and technical expertise in liquid propulsion systems. |
| Special Recognition for Cryogenic Engine Development | Awarded for his role in developing indigenous cryogenic engines critical for GSLV missions. |
| Keynote Speaker at International Forums | Invited to represent ISRO and India at global space science and propulsion conferences. |
These accolades underline his pivotal role in making India a global leader in space technology.
Epilogue
Dr. V. Narayanan’s journey from a humble village in Tamil Nadu to the pinnacle of India’s space program is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and visionary leadership. His contributions to India’s cryogenic propulsion capabilities and advancements in rocket technology have been instrumental in establishing ISRO as a global space powerhouse.
As he assumes the role of Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space in 2025, Narayanan’s leadership is expected to steer India towards greater achievements in space exploration, international collaborations, and a larger share of the global space economy. His legacy will inspire generations of scientists and technologists to dream big and reach for the stars.
