Renowned rocket scientist V Narayanan has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Space Commission. He will replace S Somanath, whose tenure concludes next week.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet issued an official order announcing Narayanan’s appointment. It stated, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of V. Narayanan, Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Valiamala, as Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman, Space Commission for a period of two years, effective from January 14, 2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”
The Secretary of the Department of Space also serves as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Somanath, who assumed the role on January 14, 2022, will complete his three-year term before Narayanan takes over.
A Veteran in Space Propulsion
Narayanan brings nearly four decades of experience in the field of space technology and has held several prominent positions within ISRO. His expertise lies in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, a critical area for India’s space missions.
He served as the Project Director for the C25 Cryogenic Project, a key component of the GSLV Mk III rocket. Under his leadership, the team successfully developed the C25 stage, which played a vital role in launching heavier payloads into space.
Narayanan began his career at ISRO in 1984 and worked in the Solid Propulsion division at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). He contributed to the development of the Sounding Rockets, ASLV, and PSLV during his early years.
In 1989, he completed his M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, where he graduated as a top performer. He then joined the Cryogenic Propulsion division at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and has since been instrumental in advancing India’s cryogenic engine technology.
Narayanan’s extensive knowledge and leadership in rocket propulsion systems have made him a distinguished figure in India’s space sector. His appointment is expected to further strengthen ISRO’s ambitious goals in the coming years.
