Tessy Thomas is an Indian scientist and aerospace engineer who is known for her contributions to the development of India’s ballistic missile program. She is the first woman scientist to lead a missile project in India and is popularly known as the “Missile Woman of India”.
Early Life and Education
Tessy Thomas was born in Kerala, India. She completed her undergraduate studies in electronics engineering at the Government Engineering College, Thrissur.
She later went on to pursue her master’s degree in guidance, navigation, and control systems from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. She completed her Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
A career in Defense Research and Development Organization
Tessy Thomas joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in 1988. She started her career as a scientist in the area of guidance, navigation, and control systems.
She was appointed as the Project Director of the Agni-IV missile project in 2008 and became the first woman scientist to lead a missile project in India.
Contribution to India’s Ballistic Missile Program
Tessy Thomas has made significant contributions to the development of India’s ballistic missile program. She was instrumental in the development of the guidance and control systems of the Agni series of missiles.
She led the development of the Agni-IV missile, which has a range of 4,000 km and is capable of carrying a 1-tonne nuclear warhead. She also played a key role in the development of the Agni-V missile, which has a range of 5,000 km and is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
Awards and Recognition
Tessy Thomas has received several awards and recognition for her contributions to India’s ballistic missile program.
She was awarded the Defence Research and Development Organisation Scientist of the Year award in 2009 and the Lifetime Achievement award by the Confederation of Indian Industry in 2011. She was also awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2012.
Conclusion
Tessy Thomas is a remarkable scientist and aerospace engineer who has made significant contributions to the development of India’s ballistic missile program.
She is the first woman scientist to lead a missile project in India and has played a key role in the development of the Agni series of missiles.
Her contributions to the field of aerospace engineering and the defense of India are truly commendable. She is an inspiration to women across India, who aspire to make a career in the field of science and technology.