The Union government said on Tuesday that V Narayanan will replace S Somanath as chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation. In addition, V Narayanan will assume leadership as the department of space's secretary. On January 14, V Narayanan will take over as ISRO chief, replacing S Somanath, as per the Cabinet's appointments committee's directive.

According to news agency ANI, which cited the appointment order, V Narayanan will hold these positions for the next two years or till further notice.  “The appointment of Shri V. Narayanan, Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Valiamala, as Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission for a period of two years with effect from 14.01.2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet,” the order said.

V Narayanan is a renowned scientist who has worked on rocket and spacecraft propulsion for about 40 years. He joined ISRO in 1984 and served in a number of positions before taking on the role of director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. He is an expert in rocket and spacecraft propulsion.

During the first phase, he was employed at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in the Solid Propulsion division of Sounding Rockets and Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Additionally, V Narayanan helped with the planning, control, and realisation of composite motor cases, composite igniter cases, and Relative nozzle systems.

Narayanan's appointment signals a continuation of ISRO's commitment to scientific excellence and innovation. With his wealth of experience and vision, he is poised to lead the organisation into a promising new chapter, building on the strong foundation laid by his predecessors.

The official announcement of Narayanan’s appointment has sparked widespread optimism among scientists, policymakers, and space enthusiasts alike, as India prepares for yet another exciting phase in its space journey.