A. RAJARAJAN

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) • Distinguished Scientist and Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre

Shri.A Rajarajan is Distinguished Scientist and currently Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota, known as Space Port of India & is a Member of INSPACe Board and SPACE Council. He is an expert in the area of Composites.

His sustained contributions and technology leadership at ISRO has been transformative for making our nation self reliant in the field of space technology. He has developed Launch Complex Infrastructures to meet the increased demand of launches from various entities and for ISRO’s prestigious missions like Human Space Programme (Gaganyaan) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. He has equipped the Centre to concurrently meet the launch base infrastructure of ISRO and commercial space industry in line with the new space policy, through comprehensive resource planning. Exclusive launch complex for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle is being configured & realized under his leadership.

He also played a crucial role in the indigenization of critical space systems and was instrumental in enthusing industries and fostering collaborations, enlisting them as partners with ISRO in the advancement of key capabilities for Composites and solid motor production.

As Director, SDSC SHAR, he is leading multidisciplinary technical teams in the Solid Motor production and Launch Complex Infrastructure to meet ISRO’s increased demand of launches and successfully executed several key flights including Chandrayaan-3, Human Space Programme (Gaganyaan) experiment-TVD01, Aditya L1, Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), LVM3 M2 / One Web India-1- the first dedicated commercial mission and Vikram-S – the first privately built rocket of the country.

He scripted history by enabling start-ups M/s Skyroot for launch of first ever private rocket of the country and played a key role for successful launch of maiden flight of M/s Agnikul, which has opened a new arena for the Space programs by private players.

He is in the forefront in enabling strategic technology development of solid propellant motors such as installation of 4.5t and 10t solid propellant mixers through a group of industries.He scripted history by launching the first ever private rocket of the country i.e. VIKRAM-S, which has opened a new arena for the space programs.

He used COVID-19 induced disruption as an opportunity to optimize resources and introduced several innovative technologies. He was at the helm when four different types of launch vehicles where successfully launched within a four month period in early 2023, creating a record of sorts in which the crowning glory is the Chandrayaan-3 programme, where he coordinated and facilitated tests of the lander systems and the entire launch campaign at SHAR besides playing a key role as Chairman, Launch Authorization Board (LAB).

During his carrier spanning nearly four decades, he has held several positions of leadership at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), where he held senior positions as Deputy Director of three major entities. During this period, he is specialized in design and development of launch vehicles and spacecraft composites systems including the carbon –carbon composites. His domain expertise was critical in the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in composite technology, driving innovation and industry collaboration. By developing a robust eco-system for composites, he empowered industries to contribute significantly to the Space program.

He also synergized all activities towards towards the design of key propulsion systems of SSLV and in the formation of a dedicated entity for Space ordinance in VSSC.

He was instrumental in initiating of Solid rocket motor and pyrotechnic system production, effectively utilizing existing manufacturing facilities within the industry to enhance capacity and efficiency.

Presently he is the President of ISAMPE, India from Nov 2023 onwards. He has several International Journal and Conference papers and was awarded with a patent in the area of Film-Boiling CVI technology development.

He has been awarded with Honorary Doctorate by Sathyabama University and Veltech University, Chennai for his excellent contributions for space applications. In recognition of his meritorious contribution for space research, he has been felicitated with several awards and honors including ISRO Merit award and Team excellence awards.

He has also been felicitated with an award by State Government of Tamilnadu for his tremendous contribution of Chandrayaan – 3 success; Research in Space and for making the nation proud.

Events

The Global Space Exploration Conference 2025

7-9 May 2025

New Delhi, India

Participation: