Introduction to Rocket Science and Space Exploration

A. Sivathanu Pillai graduated in Engineering in 1969, and then worked in ISRO and DRDO during the last five decades, under aerospace leaders Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Prof. Satish Dhawan and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He was also visiting professor in IISc and IITs. His active participation in the development of Satellite Launch vehicles and Guided missiles made him to specialise in Multi – disciplinary technology projects, Rocket Technology, Aerospace Systems, Institution Build up and Advanced system engineering and Program management. Dr. Pillai’s skills in networking multiple institutions for the development of critical missile technologies overcoming denial regimes (Missile Technology Control Regime) enabled realization of strategic missiles. Dr. Pillai was the Architect and Founder CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace, which is a unique Joint Venture, first of its kind between India and Russia to design, develop, produce, and market the most advanced supersonic cruise missile, BRAHMOS, which has been inducted in the Indian Armed Forces, as a major strike weapon.

Fifteen academic institutions in India and abroad have recognised Prof. Pillai’s scientific contributions and awarded Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa). He is a recipient of many prestigious national and international awards and Fellowships, most importantly Padma Bhushan (2013) and Padma Shri (2002) by Government of India, Order of Friendship (2013) by the Government of Russian Federation. Prof. Pillai has written ten books including, The success mantra of BRAHMOS, 40 years with Abdul Kalam – Untold Stories, Revolution in Leadership, Nano Science and Nano Technology for Engineering and co-authored with Dr. Abdul Kalam for the books (a) Envisioning an Empowered Nation and (b) ‘Thoughts for Change – we can do it’ (Defining 10 futuristic technologies).