V Narayanan, an IIT graduate and one of India's leading cryogenic engine developers, has been selected to lead the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He is set to succeed ISRO Chairman S Somanath and take charge on January 14. Narayanan is well-known for his vital role in developing India's cryogenic engine technology, and he has made substantial contributions to ISRO's space exploration capabilities. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet announced his elevation.

Narayanan started his academic journey by completing his M Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and PhD in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, where he received a Silver Medal for ranking first in the M Tech program. He is also a rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert who joined ISRO in 1984 and progressed with the ranks. At Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), he performed duties in the Solid Propulsion department for Sounding Rockets, Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicles (ASLV), and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV). 

Narayanan had played a significant role in developing India's cryogenic engine, a previously denied technology to the country. He also helped with the process planning, control, and implementation of ablative nozzle systems, composite motor cases, and composite igniter cases.

Among his recent accomplishments was leading the Failure Analysis Committee for Chandrayaan 2, the mission during which the Vikram Lander crashed. Chandrayaan 3 was a resounding triumph as India Vikram successfully landed at Shiv Shakti Point.

Narayanan has been the head of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Kerala's Valiamala since 2018. The centre is researching and developing liquid, semi-cryogenic, and cryogenic propulsion stages for launch vehicles, chemical and electric propulsion systems for satellites, launch vehicle control systems, and transducers for space system health monitoring.

Narayanan is presently a prominent scientist (APEX Scale) and the most senior director of ISRO. He additionally serves as the Chairman of the Project Management Council-Space Transportation System (PMC-STS), which makes decisions on all launch vehicle applications and programmes. He has been appointed the National Level Human Rated Certification Board (HRCB) Chairman for Gaganyaan, India's proposed human spaceflight mission.

During his two-year work phase as ISRO chairman, he will also serve as Space Commission's Chairman. Speaking to a reputed news channel from Thiruvananthapuram, the recently appointed ISRO chairman stated, "We have a clear roadmap for India, and I hope to take ISRO to greater heights as we have great talent."