Team leader of India's CE20 cryogenic engine N. Jayan to head ISRO's propulsion centre
Thiruvananthapuram, June 27
Aerospace engineer N. Jayan, who led the development of the indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine that powers India's LVM3 heavy-lift launch vehicle, has been appointed Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, one of the Indian Space Research Organisation's most strategic establishments responsible for developing propulsion systems for the country's launch vehicles and space missions.
Jayan's appointment marks the elevation of one of the key architects of India's cryogenic propulsion programme to head the ISRO centre at the heart of the nation's rocket engine development.
The CE20 cryogenic engine, developed under Jayan's leadership, represented a major technological breakthrough for India's space programme.
Powering the cryogenic upper stage of the LVM3, formerly known as GSLV Mk III, the engine significantly strengthened India's ability to launch heavy satellites and undertake complex missions using indigenous technology.
The achievement was widely regarded as a defining milestone in India's quest for self-reliance in advanced space propulsion.
Before assuming charge as Director, Jayan served as Associate Director of LPSC and earlier held key assignments as Project Director of the Cryogenic Stage Project and Project Director of the ambitious Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) programme at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
A graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram (CET), Jayan later earned a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, graduating with a Gold Medal.
Over a career spanning several decades, he has played a pivotal role in advancing India's indigenous propulsion technologies, contributing to the country's emergence as a leading spacefaring nation.
His contributions have earned him several prestigious honours, including the Astronautical Society of India Space Gold Medal, three ISRO Team Awards, and the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, India's highest civilian honour in science, conferred by the President in 2025 for his outstanding contributions to space research.
A native of Thiruvananthapuram, Jayan now takes charge of LPSC at a crucial phase as ISRO accelerates work on next-generation launch vehicles, advanced propulsion technologies and missions aimed at expanding India's capabilities in space exploration.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Excellent appointment, but let's not forget we still import some components for these engines. Hope NGLV programme moves faster and we achieve 100% indigenisation. Still, congratulations to N. Jayan!
As a Malayali, I feel extra proud! CET and IISc producing such gems. The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is well-deserved. ISRO continues to inspire our youth. 🚀
Impressive credentials. But I wonder if ISRO is moving fast enough on next-gen engines compared to SpaceX or Blue Origin. Still, great to see indigenous capability growing.
Cryogenic engines are the backbone of heavy launches. With N. Jayan at LPSC, expect more breakthroughs for Gaganyaan and future interplanetary missions. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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