Tessy Thomas – first missile woman of India

Tessy Thomas – first missile woman of India

Tessy Thomas, also known as the “Missile Woman of India,” is an Indian scientist and engineer who played a key role in the development of India’s Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Tessy Thomas has been recognized for her contributions to India’s missile program with numerous awards and honors, including the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration, Academics, and Management in 2018. She is an inspiration to many young women in India who aspire to pursue careers in science and technology.

History and Career of Tessy Thomas

• She was born in Kerala in 1963, Tessy Thomas grew up in a family of seven siblings.
• She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Thrissur Engineering College and her Master’s degree in Guided Missile from the Institute of Armament Technology, Pune.
• Tessy Thomas began her career at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1988.
• She initially worked on the design and development of the guidance system for the Agni missile.
• Later, she became the Project Director for the Agni-IV missile project and played a key role in the successful test-firing of the missile in 2011.
• In 2012, Tessy Thomas was appointed the Project Director for the Agni-V missile project, which is India’s first ICBM.
• She led a team of over 800 scientists and engineers in the development of the missile, which has a range of over 5,000 kilometres and can carry a nuclear warhead.
• The successful test-firing of the Agni-V missile in 2018 marked a major milestone in India’s missile program.

Tessy Thomas’s success in a male-dominated field has been an inspiration to many young women in India. She has shown that with determination and hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams. She has encouraged young girls to pursue careers in science and technology and has become a role model for many.

Tessy Thomas’s story is a reminder of the importance of gender equality and the need to break down barriers that prevent women from pursuing their dreams. She has shown that women can excel in fields that were once considered exclusive to men. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of women to break down barriers and achieve their full potential.