V Narayanan – Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) Named as the Next Chairman of ISRO
By R Anil Kumar
Narayanan, a noted rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert, is set to succeed S. Somanath as the next Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at a time when India’s space sector is in reform-mode and the national space agency has major projects lined up including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight, the Chandrayaan-4 mission and the development of the country’s own space station.
Bengaluru, January 9. V Narayanan has been appointed as the new chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and will officially take over from S Somanath on January 14, 2025.
This appointment was announced by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on January 7, 2025, and Narayanan’s tenure is set for two years or until further notice
His tenure is set to begin on January 14, 2025, as confirmed by an official government notification.
As he steps into this position, Narayanan is expected to continue advancing India’s space exploration efforts, including ongoing projects such as the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and future lunar missions.
S Somanath, who has served as the chairman of ISRO since January 2022, has been instrumental in several successful missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. His leadership has emphasized expanding India’s capabilities in space technology and fostering collaboration with private sectors and international partners.
Dr. V Narayanan is currently the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, Kerala, where he has made significant contributions to India’s space programme, particularly in rocket and spacecraft propulsion.
He has nearly four decades of experience in ISRO, having joined the organization in 1984. Notably, he played a key role as Project Director for the C25 Cryogenic Project of the GSLV MK-III, which was crucial for India’s advancements in launch vehicle technology.
Narayanan holds an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, where he graduated with first rank. His leadership at LPSC has been marked by the successful development of various propulsion systems essential for ISRO’s launch vehicles and satellite missions.
Under his leadership, LPSC contributed propulsion systems for missions such as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and Gaganyaan, including critical components like throttle-able thrusters for soft landings.
V Narayanan played a pivotal role in developing ISRO’s indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) for GSLV MK-II. He also led the development of the C25 cryogenic stage for GSLV MK-III.
V Narayanan has guided teams working on next-generation propulsion systems, including semi-cryogenic stages, LOX-methane engines, and electric propulsion thrusters to enhance ISRO’s capabilities.
Narayanan has held various significant positions within ISRO, contributing to multiple high-profile missions and initiatives. His extensive experience in the field of space technology and management positions him well for this leadership role.
V Narayanan has contributed to ISRO’s propulsion roadmap for 2017–2037 and served as a member of the National Expert Committees and international professional bodies, advancing India’s space exploration goals.
Upon his appointment, Narayanan expressed ambition to elevate ISRO’s capabilities further, emphasizing the organization’s roadmap and the talent within its ranks. His vision includes continued innovation and excellence in India’s space endeavours.
Who Is V Narayanan’s ISRO’s Newly Appointed Chairman, What Are His Key Achievements in his Career So Far
Narayanan is a distinguished scientist with nearly 40 years of experience in India’s space programme. He joined ISRO in 1984 and has held various significant positions throughout his career, currently serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, Kerala. His expertise lies primarily in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, where he has played a crucial role in developing several key propulsion systems for ISRO’s launch vehicles.
V Narayanan’s Key Achievements in His Career So Far
1. Development of Propulsion Systems:
Narayanan played a pivotal role in the development of the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) for the GSLV MK-II and led the development of the C25 cryogenic stage for GSLV MK-III, which is critical for launching heavier payloads into space.
Under his leadership as Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), the centre successfully delivered 183 Liquid Propulsion Systems and control power plants for various ISRO missions, including significant contributions to Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and Aditya-L1 missions.
2. Leadership In Human Spaceflight:
Narayanan heads the Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB) for Gaganyaan, India’s ambitious human spaceflight program, overseeing the certification processes necessary for ensuring astronaut safety during missions.
3. Innovative Research and Development:
Narayanan has guided teams working on next-generation propulsion systems, including semi-cryogenic stages, LOX-methane engines, and electric propulsion thrusters, thereby enhancing ISRO’s capabilities in advanced space technologies.
4. Innovative Projects:
Narayanan contributions extend to overseeing the development of control systems for launch vehicles and health-monitoring technologies for space systems.
5. Awards And Recognition:
Narayanan has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India for his contributions to rocket technologies and a Distinguished Alumni Award from IIT Kharagpur, where he completed his MTech and Ph.D. in cryogenic and aerospace engineering.
6. Contributions to Key Projects:
Narayanan has been involved in significant ISRO projects such as the Aditya Spacecraft, aimed at studying the Sun, and various missions under the GSLV program, which have established India as a key player in global space exploration.
7. Policy Development:
Narayanan has contributed to ISRO’s propulsion roadmap for 2017–2037 and served on various national expert committees, influencing policy directions for India’s space exploration initiatives.
Narayanan’s leadership is anticipated to enhance India’s capabilities in space exploration, especially following recent successes like the lunar rover mission. His vision includes a clear roadmap for advancing ISRO’s objectives and leveraging India’s talent pool to push boundaries in space research.
The transition to V Narayanan marks a new chapter for ISRO as it aims to enhance its contributions to global space exploration and technology advancements.
‘ISRO’s New Era’: Incoming Chief V Narayanan to Face Major Challenges Amid Gaganyaan’s Mission
V Narayanan steps into the role previously held by S Somanath, who left a legacy with the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. Narayanan has to maintain this momentum and ensure ISRO continues to be a leader in space exploration.
Major Challenges Ahead
As Narayanan prepares to take charge, he faces significant challenges, particularly regarding the Gaganyaan mission, India’s ambitious human spaceflight programme. This mission aims to demonstrate India’s capability to send astronauts into space and bring them back safely.
The Gaganyaan project has encountered hurdles, including the need to develop an Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) domestically after failing to procure it from other countries.
The Gaganyaan mission is expected to launch its first unmanned flight in December 2025, which will test critical systems before sending a crew into space. Four astronauts have already been selected for training, but the initial missions will be unmanned to ensure system reliability.
Narayanan has expressed optimism about ISRO’s capabilities and talent pool, stating that there is a clear roadmap for advancing India’s space ambitions.
His leadership will be crucial in navigating the complexities of human spaceflight and enhancing India’s position in global space exploration.
The upcoming years are pivotal as ISRO aims to achieve significant milestones, including the successful execution of the Gaganyaan mission and continued advancements in satellite technology and launch capabilities.
New ISRO Chief Lists Priorities: Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan 4, Own Space Station
V Narayanan who has been appointed as the new chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), succeeding S Somanath, and is set to take office on January 14, 2025, has outlined key priorities for ISRO during his tenure.
Gaganyaan Mission
The Gaganyaan Mission is an ambitious project initiated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at demonstrating India’s capability for human spaceflight.
This mission plans to send a crew of three astronauts into a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 400 km for a duration of three to seven days. The mission is significant as it positions India among the elite group of nations capable of conducting human spaceflights, which currently includes the United States, Russia, and China.
The mission aims to showcase India’s ability to send humans into space and bring them back safely. It will facilitate scientific experiments in a microgravity environment, contributing to advancements in various fields. The mission will enhance India’s technological prowess in aerospace engineering and related fields.
The mission plans to conduct one crewed flight following two unmanned test flights. The first unmanned flight was originally scheduled for December 2020 but has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The spacecraft, weighing approximately 5.3 metric tons, is designed to be largely autonomous and will include safety features such as an emergency escape system.
Impact of Gaganyaan Mission
The success of the Gaganyaan Mission could lead to:
Increased Scientific Research Opportunities: It will open avenues for various experiments that can benefit not just India but also contribute to global scientific knowledge.
Development of a Space Station: The mission is seen as a stepping stone towards establishing an Indian space station, further enhancing India’s capabilities in space exploration.
Inspiration for Future Generations: By achieving human spaceflight, Gaganyaan aims to inspire youth and promote interest in science and technology within India.
Chandrayaan-4
Chandrayaan-4 is a planned lunar sample return mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), representing the fourth phase of India’s Chandrayaan lunar exploration programme. This mission aims to collect lunar samples and return them to Earth, marking a significant advancement in India’s capabilities in space exploration.
Chandrayaan-4 is expected to be launched around 2028. The mission will focus on collecting approximately 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of lunar Regolith from a water-ice-rich area near the Moon’s south pole, specifically around the site of Chandrayaan-3’s landing, named Station Shiv Shakti. It aims to demonstrate critical technologies such as docking and undocking capabilities in both Earth and lunar orbits, which are essential for the mission’s success.
On September 18, 2024, the Indian government approved the mission with a budget of ₹2,104.06 crore (approximately $250 million) to support its development and execution. The mission is projected to be completed within 36 months of approval, involving collaboration with various industries and academia for technology development.
Chandrayaan-4 will consist of five spacecraft modules, requiring two launches using ISRO’s most powerful rocket, the LVM-3. The first launch will carry a lander and a sample-collecting vehicle, while the second will transport a transfer module and a re-entry module that will remain in lunar orbit. After collecting samples, an ascender will launch from the Moon’s surface to transfer the samples to the re-entry module for their journey back to Earth.
Indian Space Station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station)
Narayanan confirmed plans for India to establish its own space station, with the first module scheduled for launch in 2028. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance India’s capabilities in space research and technology.
India is set to establish its own space station, known as the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), with significant milestones planned for the coming years. Here are the key details regarding this ambitious project.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is currently in the design phase, with the first module expected to be launched using the LVM3 rocket. The completion of the entire station has been postponed from an initial target of 2030 to 2035 due to various delays, including those associated with the Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight mission and COVID-19 impacts.
The Indian government has officially approved the construction of the first module, which will extend the scope of the Gaganyaan mission and is seen as a critical step toward realizing India’s long-term space ambitions, including a crewed lunar mission by 2040.
Significance And Objectives
The Bharatiya Antariksha Station will serve multiple purposes:
Microgravity Research: It will provide a platform for conducting experiments in microgravity, which can lead to advancements in various scientific fields such as materials science, biology, and medicine.
Technological Innovation: The development of BAS is expected to drive technological advancements in life support systems, robotics, and space habitats, fostering innovation within India’s aerospace sector.
International Collaboration: There are discussions about potential collaborations with NASA and other international space agencies, which could enhance India’s capabilities in space exploration and research.
These priorities reflect ISRO’s commitment to advancing its space exploration agenda and building on its recent successes, including the launch of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) which is crucial for future missions.
