A.E. Muthunayagam
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
A.E. Muthunayagam, considered a key architect of liquid propulsion technology in India’s space programme, on Friday expressed happiness at being chosen for the Padma Shri award, while adding that he was not overly enamoured of the recognition at this late stage in life.
Dr. Muthunayagam, now 88, was Director of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), for close to a decade from November 1985.
“It is nothing great at this stage. It is a recognition, and I am happy,” he said. Dr. Muthunayagam was selected for the Padma Shri in the field of ‘Science and Enegineering.’
Among the initial batches of scientists to join the space programme, Dr. Muthunayagam, who hails from Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu, had settled in Thiruvananthapuram in 1966. He recalls having Vikram Sarabhai, hailed as the father of India’s space programme, as his first boss.
At ISRO, he has held several key posts. These, according to the LPSC website, including head of the propulsion and mechanical engineering divisions at the Space Science and Technology Centre (SSTC – later renamed Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre), project leader of the Rohini 125 Rocket Project and the Rohini Multi-stage Rocket Project, Project Manager of Vikas engine Project (technology collaboration with the French Aerospace Company), and Chairman, Mission Readiness Review, ASLV D1 and D2 launches.
Born in January 1939, Dr. Muthunayagam obtained his Bachelor of Engineering Degree from the University of Madras, and his Master’s Degree from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. He obtained his doctorate from the School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, US. Subsequently, he also obtained an LLB degree from the University of Kerala.
Published – January 25, 2026 09:21 pm IST
