In a significant development for Bharat’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted the country’s first flight-test of the Agni-5 missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. Spearheading this achievement is 57-year-old missile expert R Sheena Rani, who led the DRDO team behind the project. The test launch took place from the Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha.
Rani, serving as the Programme Director at Hyderabad-based Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) of DRDO, played a pivotal role in developing the Agni-5 missile with multiple nuclear warheads. This technological feat not only places Bharat among elite nations but also garners attention due to its capability to cover a range of 5,000 kilometers, encompassing most neighboring countries, notably drawing China’s attention.
With a career spanning over two decades in DRDO, Rani has been instrumental in various Agni missile projects, having joined the organization after the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. Her contributions have been significant in the development and induction of several Agni variants into the Indian armed forces. However, the incorporation of MIRV technology stands out as a notable achievement in her career, reflecting her dedication and expertise.
Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Rani’s journey to success was shaped by the unwavering support of her mother, who raised her and her sister single-handedly after the demise of their father during Rani’s schooling years. She pursued her engineering studies at the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET), setting the stage for her illustrious career in missile technology.
Despite her accomplishments, Rani remains humble, attributing her success to the guidance and inspiration she received from eminent figures like A P J Abdul Kalam, Bharat’s ‘Missile Man’, and Dr Avinash Chander, a renowned missile technologist. Her husband, P S R S Sastry, also contributed to DRDO’s missile projects, reflecting their shared dedication to national defense.
Rani’s expertise lies in ensuring the overall health and readiness of missiles before launch, a responsibility she executes with meticulous attention to detail. Despite the nerves preceding each launch, her commitment to ensuring the nation’s security remains unwavering.
Over the course of her career, Rani has earned accolades, including the prestigious ‘Scientist of the Year Award’ in 2016, highlighting her significant contributions to Bharat’s defense research and development efforts. As India continues to bolster its defense capabilities, R Sheena Rani’s pioneering work serves as a testament to the nation’s commitment to technological advancement and security.
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