THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Jan 8: Renowned rocket scientist V Narayanan, who has recently taken on the role of chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), stated on Wednesday that the agency is currently experiencing a fruitful period, with upcoming significant missions like Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan.
Expressing enthusiasm for his new position as Secretary of the Department of Space and chairman of ISRO, Narayanan remarked on his fortune to be part of such a prestigious organization, guided by remarkable leaders.
“This organization is exceptional. It has been led by many illustrious leaders in the past. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of it,” he conveyed to reporters.
In response to inquiries, Narayanan shared that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) was the first to inform him of his new appointment.
“The Prime Minister is overseeing everything. The PMO reached out to me. Current chairman S Somanath also called to update me about the new role,” he explained.
When asked about ISRO’s upcoming initiatives, the new chairman highlighted that the agency is embarking on several significant missions.
“As everyone knows, ISRO is currently enjoying a successful phase,” he stated.
Discussing upcoming projects, Narayanan noted that ISRO launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on December 30, and the docking experiment for the SpaDeX satellites is set for January 9.
He pointed out that Gaganyaan stands as another key initiative for ISRO, with preparations for launching the uncrewed module or uncrewed rocket progressing well.
Narayanan also mentioned the ongoing efforts at Sriharikota to send the navigation satellite, NVS 02, with a GSLV launch planned for later this month.
He further indicated that preparations for the launch of a commercial satellite for the United States using ISRO’s Mark III vehicle and for the rocket assembly related to Gaganyaan (G 1) are also advancing at Sriharikota.
Regarding the future projects of the Bengaluru-based agency, Narayanan highlighted India’s historic achievement as the first nation to land at the moon’s south pole through the Chandrayaan 3 mission.
“The goal of Chandrayaan 4 is to land there, collect samples, and return. Preparations in this regard have already commenced,” he elaborated, also mentioning plans for establishing India’s own space station.
“The Prime Minister has approved the construction of our space station… It will consist of five modules, and we have received approval to launch the first module in 2028,” the new chairman added.
As per an official order, V Narayanan was appointed Secretary of the Department of Space on Tuesday, succeeding S Somanath, whose tenure concludes next week. (PTI)
