New ISRO Chief: On Tuesday, January 7, the Government of India announced that V Narayanan will replace S Somanath as the new chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
V Narayanan will take over as the chairman of ISRO from January 14 and will also assume the role of secretary of the Department of Space. As per the order of the Appointments Committee, Narayanan will serve in these important positions for the next two years or until further orders.
This announcement is another significant milestone in the history of ISRO, which is set to shape the future of India’s space programme. The appointment of V Narayanan is a significant move, as he has remarkable experience and contribution to the Indian space sector. As an eminent scientist, his leadership is expected to take ISRO to even greater heights.
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New ISRO Chief: Who is V Narayanan?
V Narayanan is a well-known and respected scientist with nearly four decades of experience in rocket and spacecraft propulsion. He joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1984 and has served in several key roles. Currently, he is the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), an important wing of ISRO.
His scientific journey began at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), where he played a key role in the development of Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
He has also played a key role in the design and testing of several key systems including the ablative nozzle system, composite motor case and composite igniter case. V Narayanan has contributed significantly to the success of ISRO’s space missions, making India a leading nation in the space sector.
New ISRO Chief: Contributions and Achievements of V Narayanan
V Narayanan has played a key role in ISRO’s technological advancement and space missions. His work has contributed significantly to the development of Indian space science.
Joining ISRO in 1984: V Narayanan joined ISRO in 1984, laying a strong foundation for the institution’s development.
Expertise in Rocket and Spacecraft Propulsion: He has specialized in rocket propulsion technology and spacecraft propulsion, contributing to several critical projects.
Director of LPSC: Currently, he serves as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), where he has been instrumental in the development of advanced systems such as Ablative Nozzle Systems, Composite Motor Cases, and Composite Igniter Cases, which have been integral to ISRO’s successful missions.
Launch of SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment): Recently, he led the successful launch of SPADEX, an indigenous space docking technology system, marking a significant milestone for India.
S Somanath Retiring on January 14
The current chairman of ISRO, S Somanath, took charge on 14 January 2022. He is going to retire after a tenure of three years. Under his leadership, ISRO achieved historic achievements. During his tenure, ISRO not only successfully landed Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the Moon, but also launched Aditya-L1 to study the Sun from the Lagrange point located 15 lakh kilometers from Earth.
