Gaganyaan Is High Priority: Dr V Narayanan, Incoming ISRO Chief

Dr V Narayanan, a cryogenic engine specialist, has been appointed as the incoming chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space. Previously, he served as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre at ISRO Dr Narayanan played a pivotal role in the development of India's cryogenic engine technology, which was initially denied to the country. He also contributed significantly to the human rating of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3, also known as the "Bahubali" rocket, ensuring it is ready to carry Indian astronauts, referred to as "Gaganyatris," as part of India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. Dr Narayanan will succeed Dr S Somanath, the current chairman of ISRO, in his new role.