Dr. V. Narayanan is the current Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space, assuming this prestigious position on January 14, 2025. He is a renowned rocket and spacecraft professional with nearly 40 years of experience in the field of rocket science and space research. Before joining ISRO, he served as the Director of the Thiruvananthapuram-based LPSC.
Dr. Narayanan was born on May 14, 1964, in a village in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. He studied in Tamil medium until Class 5 and obtained an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur with first rank, followed by a PhD in Aerospace Engineering.
Key Roles and Achievements
- Current Role
Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space, Government of India, who designed and implemented India’s entire space program. He chairs the Project Management Council (Space Transportation Systems), which makes policy decisions related to all ISRO rocket and launch vehicle projects.
2. Technical Contributions and Historic Work
His most significant contribution is the development of India’s K20 cryogenic engine and SEAT 25 cryogenic stage. This technology is the very technology without which India’s heavy rockets would not have been able to reach space.He has also designed and operated propulsion systems and limited engines for large and complex missions such as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and Mangalyaan. Recently, under his leadership, ISRO successfully tested a powerful semi-cryogenic engine that will help power future heavy launch vehicles.
3. Helping Future Missions
His primary goal is to successfully launch Gaganyaan, India’s first human space mission.He commanded Chandrayaan 4, the complex mission to return lunar soil samples to Earth.The Indian Space Station also lays the initial and most important technological foundation for the establishment of India’s own space station by 2035.
Major National and Prestigious Awards
- GP Birla Memorial Award 2025 : awarded as a prestigious scientist.
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award 2025 : awarded as the top state-level honor by the Government of Tamil Nadu on August 15, 2025.
- Ram Mohan Mission Award 2025 : Kolkata for strengthening India’s space research and cryogenic technology.
- National Design Award 2019 : by the National Design and Research Forum for outstanding rocket engine design.
- National Aeronautics Award : by the Aeronautical Society of India for the development of indigenous space propulsion technology.
ISRO Awards
- Outstanding Achievement Award : For significant technical achievements throughout the career by ISRO.
- Performance Excellence Award : Awarded for the successful implementation of Chandrayaan and other launch vehicle missions.