Guest of Honour

Dr. V. Narayanan
Hon’ble Chairman
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Dr. V. Narayanan, Distinguished Scientist (Apex Grade), assumed charge as Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission, and Chairman, ISRO on 13 January 2025. Prior to this, he served as Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), one of ISRO’s major centres, headquartered at Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, with a unit at Bengaluru.

A renowned Rocket and Spacecraft Propulsion Expert, Dr. Narayanan joined ISRO in 1984 and has served the organisation in various capacities over four decades. In the initial phase of his career, he worked in the Solid Propulsion area at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), contributing to Sounding Rockets, ASLV, and PSLV programmes, including the development of ablative nozzles, composite motor cases, and igniter systems.

He completed his M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering with First Rank from IIT Kharagpur in 1989 and subsequently joined the Cryogenic Propulsion Programme at LPSC. He played a crucial role in the development, testing, and operationalisation of cryogenic subsystems for GSLV Mk-II and GSLV Mk-III, including gas generators, thrust chambers, and cryogenic engines. He was instrumental in the indigenous development of the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), ensuring India’s self-reliance after technology acquisition efforts were constrained by geopolitical challenges.

As Project Director of the C25 Cryogenic Project, Dr. Narayanan provided visionary techno-managerial leadership in the design and realization of the 25-tonne cryogenic propulsion system for GSLV Mk-III, successfully inducting it into operational missions. His contributions placed India among the select six nations possessing advanced cryogenic propulsion capability.

Dr. Narayanan also played a key role in major national missions including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme, delivering critical propulsion systems for launch vehicles, orbiters, landers, and crew modules. He chaired the National Expert Committee that analysed the Chandrayaan-2 lander anomaly and guided corrective actions successfully implemented in Chandrayaan-3.

Parallel to his professional career, he earned a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur in 2001, with his research directly contributing to Indian cryogenic engine control systems. Under his leadership, LPSC delivered over 226 liquid propulsion systems for launch vehicle and spacecraft missions.

Dr. Narayanan has received numerous national and international awards, including Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India, Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Kharagpur, National Aeronautical Prize, and an Honorary Doctorate (D.Sc.). He is a Member of the International Academy of Astronautics, Fellow of multiple premier engineering bodies, and has authored hundreds of technical reports and research publications.

With his visionary leadership and deep technical expertise, Dr. V. Narayanan continues to steer India’s space programme towards greater technological excellence and global leadership.