The Chandrayaan-3 mission was led by the main scientist P. Veeramuthuvel, with Srikant as the Mission Director and Kalpana as the Associate Project Director at ISRO. M. Sankaran served as the Director, while S. Somanath held the position of Chairman of ISRO. Scientist Chayan Dutta from Assam was also part of the team. The mission’s landing site was the Moon’s South Pole, and it achieved India’s first soft landing on the lunar surface, marking a significant achievement for ISRO’s space exploration efforts.
Explore Chandrayaan-3’s leaders, their qualifications, and alma maters, showcasing India’s space exploration prowess.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main Scientist | P Veeramuthuvel |
| Mission Director | Srikant |
| Associate Project Director | Kalpana |
| Director | M Sankaran |
| Chairman of ISRO | S Somanath |
| Scientist from Assam | Chayan Dutta |
| Landing Site | Moon’s South Pole |
| ISRO’s Goal achieved | India’s first soft landing on the moon |
S Somnath
S Somnath, who currently holds the positions of Secretary at the Department of Space and Chairperson of the Space Commission, attained his BTech degree in Mechanical Engineering from TKM College of Engineering in Kollam. Additionally, he pursued a Masters in Aerospace Engineering from the esteemed Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, where he specialized in Structures, Dynamics, and Control, earning a gold medal for his achievements.
TKM College of Engineering: Established in 1956 and inaugurated on July 3, 1958, TKM College of Engineering stands as the first government-aided engineering college in Kerala. Situated in Kollam, this prestigious institution has a rich legacy of delivering exceptional engineering education.
M Sankaran
Heading the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), the foremost hub in India for satellite design, development, and implementation, is M Sankaran. With a Master’s degree in Physics from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli in 1986, he swiftly embarked on his journey at ISRO Satellite Centre (now URSC). His remarkable expertise and contributions have solidified his pivotal role in India’s space exploration endeavours.
Bharathidasan University: Founded in February 1982, Bharathidasan University derives its name from the eminent Tamil Poet, Bharathidasan. With a comprehensive academic structure, the university boasts four faculties, 16 schools, 39 departments, and 29 specialized research centres. Offering a diverse array of educational opportunities, the institution presents a total of 151 programs to cater to a wide spectrum of academic pursuits.
Dr V Narayanan
Dr. V Narayanan, Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), a pivotal division of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is a distinguished rocket propulsion expert. Having embarked on his ISRO journey in 1984, Dr. Narayanan’s expertise has significantly contributed to India’s space endeavours. His leadership at LPSC is instrumental in advancing propulsion technologies that underpin the nation’s space missions, further propelling India’s reputation in the global space community.
A distinguished alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Dr. V Narayanan excelled in his academic pursuits. He earned his MTech in Cryogenic Engineering with a remarkable first rank in 1989. His quest for knowledge led him to pursue a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, where he further honed his expertise. Recognizing his outstanding achievements, IIT Kharagpur awarded him a silver medal for his top rank in MTech. The Astronautical Society of India also bestowed upon him a prestigious gold medal for his remarkable contributions. Adding to his accolades, Dr. Narayanan was honoured with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by Sathyabama University, Chennai, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the field.
Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair
Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair is a distinguished figure in the space exploration domain, serving as the Director of both the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram. He embarked on his academic journey by completing his BTech in Mechanical Engineering from Kerala University. Driven by a passion for aerospace engineering, he pursued an ME from IISc Bangalore and later earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras. His educational pursuits extended beyond engineering as he acquired an MA in Telecommunications and Space Law from NALSAR.
Dr. Nair’s professional journey commenced in 1985 at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre Thiruvananthapuram, where he played a pivotal role in various aspects of space exploration. Notably, he was a driving force behind the maiden orbital re-entry experiment, the Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE), from its conceptualization to its successful execution in 2007. His dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to advancements in space technology and research, elevating India’s position in the global space community.
Founded in 1937, the University of Kerala, initially known as the University of Travancore, holds a significant place in India’s educational landscape. Originating in the former princely state of Travancore, this institution is among the distinguished group of the first 16 universities established in the country. With a rich history spanning decades, the University of Kerala has been a pioneer in providing quality education and contributing to the academic growth and development of the region and beyond.
P Veeramuthuvel
Hailing from humble beginnings, P Veeramuthuvel, the Project Director of Chandrayaan 3, comes from a background where his father worked as a railway employee. However, his journey has led him to a remarkable position within the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Responsible for overseeing the comprehensive mission of Chandrayaan 3, Veeramuthuvel collaborates with various ISRO centres to bring this ambitious lunar endeavour to fruition. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the potential for individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute significantly to India’s space exploration achievements.
Veeramuthuvel commenced his education at the railway school in Villupuram, subsequently earning a diploma in Mechanical Engineering from a private polytechnic college. His pursuit of knowledge led him to complete his undergraduate studies at a private college in Chennai, followed by post-graduation from another esteemed engineering institution. His commitment to academic excellence culminated in the attainment of a PhD from the renowned Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). This educational trajectory showcases his steadfast determination and laid the foundation for his prominent role as the Project Director of Chandrayaan 3, a significant mission coordinated with various ISRO centres.