Dr. V. Narayanan (born 14 May 1964) is a prominent Indian space scientist and expert in rocket propulsion. He currently serves as Secretary, Department of Space, Chairperson of the Space Commission, and Chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He assumed these positions on 14 January 2025.
Education & Background
Dr. Narayanan holds an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering, in which he graduated with first rank in 1989, and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur. Before joining ISRO, he briefly worked at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Madras Rubber Factory (MRF).
Career and Appointments
Early Years at ISRO
Dr. Narayanan joined ISRO in 1984 and began his career working on solid propulsion systems for Rohini Sounding Rockets, the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). He joined the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in 1989 to work on India’s cryogenic propulsion programme.
Contributions to Cryogenic Propulsion
He played a central role in the development of India’s Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) and led major projects that enabled the successful launch of GSLV Mk-II and GSLV Mk-III. As Project Director for the C25 Cryogenic Stage, he contributed to the core propulsion technology used in India’s heaviest launch vehicles.
Dr. Narayanan has been closely associated with propulsion system development for missions such as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and Gaganyaan. He also chaired multiple expert committees involved in propulsion system readiness and mission analysis.
Director of LPSC and ISRO Leadership
He served as Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) from January 2018 until January 2025. Under his leadership, LPSC advanced several indigenous propulsion technologies including semi-cryogenic engines and green propulsion systems.
On 14 January 2025, he was appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet as Secretary, Department of Space, and concurrently as Chairperson of ISRO and the Space Commission.
Key Initiatives or Focus Areas
As ISRO Chairperson and Secretary (Space), Dr. Narayanan is overseeing the agency’s strategic growth during a period of major technological advancement and international collaboration. His key focus areas include:
- Advancing the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission
- Preparing for India’s first space station, with a planned launch by 2035
- Leading the next phase of lunar exploration through Chandrayaan-4
- Scaling up commercial space sector development, with a vision of transforming India into a $44 billion space economy
- Fostering propulsion innovation, including indigenous cryogenic, semi-cryogenic, and eco-friendly propellants
Summary
Dr. V. Narayanan is a veteran of India’s space programme, with over four decades of experience in rocket propulsion and launch vehicle technology. A specialist in cryogenic systems, he has played a critical role in India’s ascent as a spacefaring nation. As Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairperson of ISRO, he is guiding the next generation of India’s space missions, from human spaceflight to advanced planetary exploration.