Date:14/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/14/stories/2008051456011200.htm

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Woman scientist to head crucial missile project

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Tessy Thomas (45) will be the first woman scientist to head a crucial DRDO project, to upgrade the 2000-km range Agni II missile that can also carry warheads.

An expert on solid system propellants, Dr. Thomas was entrusted with analysing the earlier failure of Agni III. It was the examination of the data of the failed launch that helped the Defence Research and Development Organisation overcome shortcomings and launch the missile successfully. She has been involved in the launch of Agni-III as Associate Project Director and was given an award, along with her entire team, by the Prime Minister at the DRDO function on Monday. “I like my job. I feel I am contributing to my nation’s security,” Dr. Thomas said at the function.

She did her bachelor’s degree in technology in Kerala and master’s in Maharashtra. She has named her son Tejas, after the indigenous fighter aircraft now under development.