Hyderabad: India’s first intercontinental ballistic missile, Agni-5, underwent a successful trial on March 11. Following this success, Prime Minister Modi referred to it as ‘Mission Divyastra.’ This missile marks a significant advancement for India’s defence sector. One of the key figures who contributed to the project’s success is DRDO scientist Sheena Rani. Let’s learn more about her contributions. 

Sheena Rani

Remarkably, DRDO scientist Sheena Rani has been leading the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Agni series project since 1999. The focus was on the development of the Agni-5 missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. It stands as a proud moment for the entire DRDO team, and scientist Sheena Rani acknowledges everyone’s effort who made it a success.

Tessy Thomas

Tessy Thomas is a female scientist who made significant contributions to the development of the Agni series missiles. She is also known as the ‘Missile Woman’ who led the successful testing of the Agni missile in 2012. She was the project head until last year. Now, Sheena Rani is continuing the legacy of Tessy Thomas. 

Education

In the year 1998, Sheena Rani graduated with an engineering degree in Electronics and Communication from a college in Thiruvananthapuram. She also received education in Computer Science. When she was young, she lived in a house close to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Trivandrum. She frequently learned about the centre’s activities, including launches of various missiles. This sparked her interest in the space field. After completing her education, she worked at the rocketry lab of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre for 8 years. Then, she assumed a role at DRDO through lateral entry. Since 1999, she has been dedicated to the Agni series project. 

Seeking inspiration

Sheena Rani draws inspiration from the renowned former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, also popularly known as the Missile Man of India. He, too, started his career at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. She also considers missile technologist Dr Avinash Chander as her inspiration.