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08th January 2025 (14 Topics)

V Narayanan Appointed as the New Head of ISRO

Context

V Narayanan has been appointed as the new head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He will take over from S Somanath, who served as the ISRO chairman from 2022.

Important Contributions

  • Joined ISRO in 1984: With nearly four decades of experience in space technology, Narayanan began his career at ISRO in 1984.
  • His early contributions were in the Solid Propulsion area, specifically with Sounding Rockets, Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicles (ASLV), and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
  • Shift to Cryogenic Propulsion: In 1989, Narayanan transitioned to the Cryogenic Propulsion area at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). This was a pivotal shift in his career, leading to crucial advancements in the propulsion systems used in space launches.
  • Leadership at LPSC:
    • Director of LPSC (2018): Under his leadership, LPSC developed 164 liquid propulsion systems for 41 launch vehicles and supported 31 spacecraft missions.
    • GSLV Mk III & C25 Cryogenic Project: Narayanan was the Project Director for the C25 Cryogenic Project, which developed the C25 Stage — a critical component for the GSLV Mk III vehicle, a significant achievement for ISRO’s rocket capabilities.
  • Expertise: Narayanan is widely recognized for his expertise in rocket propulsion and spacecraft propulsion systems, both of which are critical for ISRO's mission success.

Important Concepts

  • Solid Propulsion: Solid propulsion refers to a type of rocket engine where the propellant is in solid form. These engines are widely used in space missions for their simplicity and reliability. Narayanan's early work at ISRO involved Sounding Rockets, Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicles (ASLV), and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV), all of which utilized solid propulsion systems for their launches.
  • Cryogenic Propulsion: Cryogenic propulsion involves the use of cryogenic fuels (fuels that are stored at very low temperatures, such as liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen) to power rockets. These engines are more efficient, providing greater thrust and performance, making them essential for heavier payloads and more complex space missions.
  • Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC): The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is a major ISRO facility responsible for the development of liquid propulsion systems for rockets and spacecraft. These systems are used for precise maneuvering, orbit insertion, and boosting rocket stages during missions.
  • GSLV Mk III (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III): The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III), also referred to as the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), is a three-stage, medium-lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO. The three stages of the LMV3:
    • two solid strap-on motors (S200)
    • one liquid core stage
    • A high-thrust cryogenic upper stage makes up the LMV3
  • Rocket propulsion: It refers to the technology used to propel rockets into space, while spacecraft propulsion deals with the systems that control the movement of spacecraft once they are in orbit or in deep space. Both are critical to ensuring the success of space missions by providing the necessary thrust and enabling fine control during flight.
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