The Unsung Heroes of Chandrayaan-3: IIT Madras Alumni Who Made India Proud

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras recently honored twelve of its alumni for their significant contributions to the Chandrayaan-3 mission, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Among those recognized were Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair, who completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras in 2011, and Dr. P Veeramuthuvel, who completed his PhD in the same department in 2016. Dr. Nair currently serves as the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), while Dr. Veeramuthuvel is the Project Director of Chandrayaan-3.

The Role of IIT Madras Alumni in ISRO

The alumni from IIT Madras have been instrumental in various capacities within ISRO. They include:

• Dr. P. Arun Kumar: Deputy Director, Earth Storable Engines and Stages (ESES)
• Dr. John Tharakan: Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)
• Mr. Abdul Hameed: Scientist/Engineer, U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC)
• Mr. Rajeev Senan C: Division Head, Monopropellant Systems & Components Division, LPSC
• Dr. Shamrao: Scientist, URSC
• Mr. H.M. Raghavendra Prasad: Scientist/Engineer, Head, Mechanism Assembly Section, Spacecraft Mechanisms Group, URSC
• Dr. S Mathavaraj: Scientist, URSC
• Mr. R Karthik: Scientist, LPSC
• Mr. BS Phani Dinakar: Scientist, URSC
• Mr. Sakthivel M: Scientist/Engineer, Mechanism and Development Division, Spacecraft Mechanisms Group, URSC

The Academic Connection

Interestingly, Mr. S Somanath, the current chairman of ISRO, is also pursuing his PhD from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras. This highlights the strong academic connection between the institute and ISRO, further emphasizing the role of education in shaping the future of space exploration in India.