Wed Jan 08 04:14:07 UTC 2025: ## ISRO Welcomes New Chairman, V. Narayanan, Amidst Ambitious Space Programme

**Thiruvananthapuram, January 8, 2025** – Dr. V. Narayanan, a renowned rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert, will assume the chairmanship of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on January 14th, succeeding S. Somanath. Dr. Narayanan, who has led ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre since 2018, faces a demanding schedule, with key projects including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission, and the development of India’s own space station on the horizon.

In an interview with *The Hindu*, Dr. Narayanan acknowledged the immense responsibility and opportunity, highlighting upcoming missions such as the GSLV Mk-II/IRNSS-1K launch and the first uncrewed Gaganyaan flight (G-1). He emphasized the significant workload, encompassing numerous Gaganyaan-related experiments and a commercial launch using the LVM3 vehicle.

Further down the line, ISRO’s ambitious plans include Chandrayaan-4, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station), a second Mars mission, and the maiden Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM). While not all may occur during his two-year term, preparations are underway.

A key priority for Dr. Narayanan is expanding India’s presence in space, leveraging the recent reforms that have opened the sector to private players. He highlighted the need for significantly more satellites for communication, navigation, and Earth observation, a demand ISRO cannot meet alone. Collaboration with private companies and startups will be crucial in achieving this, he stated.

Dr. Narayanan also aims to increase India’s share of the global space economy from 2% to 10%, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration with other space agencies. He believes that India’s demonstrated capabilities now garner respect and facilitate stronger partnerships.

Dr. Narayanan’s background includes a humble upbringing in Tamil Nadu and a distinguished career at ISRO, beginning in 1984. His expertise in cryogenic technology has been instrumental in various missions, including Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1. He holds an M.Tech in cryogenic engineering and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from IIT Kharagpur.

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