The Central Government has appointed V Narayanan as the new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space, effective January 14, 2025. He will succeed the current ISRO chairman, S Somanath. According to an official notification issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Narayanan will hold these positions for a term of two years or until further instructions are issued.

Narayanan is currently serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO, based in Valiamala, Kerala. A seasoned scientist with nearly four decades of expertise in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, Narayanan has made significant contributions since joining ISRO in 1984.

During his early career at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), he worked on solid propulsion systems for Sounding Rockets, the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). He also played a key role in the development and production of Ablative nozzle systems, composite motor cases, and composite igniter cases.

The LPSC, under Narayanan's leadership, is one of ISRO's key centers, with its headquarters in Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, and a unit in Bangalore. Narayanan's appointment reflects his extensive experience and contributions to India’s space program.

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