Key Highlights
- M. Mohan was appointed Director of LPSC on 25 January 2025, succeeding Dr. V. Narayanan.
- The centre, based in Thiruvananthapuram, designs and manufactures liquid‑propellant stages for ISRO’s launch vehicles.
- LPSC’s legacy includes pioneering work by Dr. A.E. Muthunayagam, Dr. K. Sivan, Dr. S. Somanath and Dr. V. Narayanan.
- Under Mohan’s leadership, the agency aims to boost cryogenic, reusable and Gaganyaan‑related propulsion technologies.
Detailed Insights
The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), operating under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has a storied history of enabling India’s launch capability through the development of liquid‑fuel engines. On 25 January 2025, veteran propulsion specialist M. Mohan assumed directorship, following Dr. V. Narayanan’s elevation to ISRO Chairman on 14 January 2025. Mohan’s tenure at ISRO spans several decades, during which he contributed to the design, testing and integration of propellant systems for the PSLV, GSLV and interplanetary missions such as Chandrayaan‑1/2 and Mangalyaan‑1.
The lineage of LPSC directors reflects the centre’s strategic importance: Dr. A.E. Muthunayagam (1985‑1994) laid the foundational framework for liquid propulsion; Dr. K. Sivan (pre‑2018) oversaw critical technology upgrades; Dr. S. Somanath (pre‑2022) guided cryogenic engine advancements; and Dr. V. Narayanan (2018‑2025) expanded the centre’s cryogenic capabilities, directly benefiting high‑performance launchers.
Looking forward, Mohan is expected to prioritize three thrust areas: (1) scaling up cryogenic engine production for GSLV‑Mk III and future heavy‑lift rockets, (2) accelerating research on reusable‑launch‑vehicle propulsion cycles, and (3) delivering reliable propulsion solutions for the crewed Gaganyaan programme. The centre’s continued synergy with other ISRO units will be pivotal in sustaining India’s autonomous access to space.
Key Concepts
- Liquid Propulsion: Engine technology that combusts liquid fuel and oxidiser to produce thrust, essential for controllable, high‑performance launch vehicles.
- Cryogenic Propulsion: Use of super‑cooled propellants (liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen) to achieve higher specific impulse, critical for heavy payload insertion.
- Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV): A launch system designed for multiple flight cycles, reducing cost per launch through refurbishment of propulsion components.