ISRO Gets New Leadership: V. Narayanan Appointed Space Secretary and Chief

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Dr. V. Narayanan has been appointed as the new Space Secretary and Chairman of ISRO effective January 14, 2025. Currently serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) Dr. Narayanan will succeed S. Somanath in this prestigious role. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has confirmed the appointment for a two-year term or until further notice.

A rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert Dr. Narayanan joined ISRO in 1984 and has held various key positions throughout his career. He initially worked in the Solid Propulsion area contributing to Sounding Rockets the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). He has also played a significant role in the development of ISRO’s Geosynchronous launch vehicles including GSLV Mk-II and GSLV Mk-III.

Dr. Narayanan was also the Chairman of the National Expert Committee that studied the hard landing of Chandrayaan-2’s lander helping to identify corrective actions. He played a crucial role in delivering the propulsion systems for Chandrayaan-3.

He takes over from Mr. Somanath who led ISRO during landmark missions such as Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L1, and the first developmental flight of the Gaganyaan mission.