V Narayanan Named New ISRO Chairman, Succeeding S Somanath

The distinguished rocket scientist will assume leadership on January 14, bringing nearly four decades of expertise in propulsion systems and space technology.

V Narayanan, currently Director of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), has been appointed as the new ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space for a two-year term starting January 14, 2025.
He succeeds S Somanath, under whose leadership ISRO achieved historic milestones, including the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission and India's first rover landing near the Moon's south pole.
Narayanan has extensive experience in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, having joined ISRO in 1984 and contributing to critical projects like the GSLV Mk III and the development of India's cryogenic engine technology.
An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, he holds an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, receiving numerous accolades throughout his career, including the National Aeronautical Prize and Distinguished Alumnus Award.
As ISRO chief, Narayanan is expected to lead India's ambitious space exploration and commercial space initiatives, aiming to expand the nation's share in the growing global space market.