M Ganesh Pillai

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) • Scientific Secretary

Mr. M Ganesh Pillai, born on June 20, 1970 in Madras, Tamilnadu, India. Mr. Ganesh Pillai has completed his Graduation in Mechanical Engineering at Government College of Engineering at Trivandrum and his Post Graduation in Aerospace Engineering at IIT, Madras.

Mr. M Ganesh Pillai is with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for over a period of 32 years and has experience in Liquid Propulsion Systems area.

Mr. M Ganesh Pillai is presently the Scientific Secretary of ISRO at ISRO HQ. He contributes towards overall Policy, Planning and Programs of ISRO. He is primarily responsible for steering ISRO’s programmatic activities. Mr. M Ganesh Pillai also plays a key role in ISRO’s international cooperation as a co-chair of Joint Working Groups with other international space agencies.

In his earlier position as Deputy Director, at Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), he has contributed immensely for the Centre’s R&D/TDP, capacity building, Resource planning and as well as future vision of the Centre aligned with the organization charter.

When serving as Project Manager for Development of indigenous Cryogenic Engine & Stage (C25 project), he led the Project Management team and ensured successful development of engine system.

Also, he led the project planning team in ensuring the CE20 Cryogenic engine development, qualification and Stage development & readiness and supply of the first flight stage (D1), which was flown successfully in its maiden mission GSLV Mk III D1 in June 2017.

A technocrat with experience in strategic management of the Centre as well as operationalisation of Project & Programmes.

He is recipient of Astronautical Society of India (ASI) Award for Space Systems Management and ISRO Team awards for CE20 Turbo Pump Realisation & Testing and CE20 Cryogenic Engine Development.

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2025

29 September - 3 October 2025

Sydney, Australia

Participation: