A. Rajarajan
Arumugham Rajarajan | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Aerospace engineer, Senior scientist |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Known for | Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre; expertise in composite materials; leadership roles in ISRO launch vehicle projects (PSLV, GSLV, LVM3) |
Arumugham Rajarajan is a distinguished Indian aerospace engineer and senior scientist affiliated with ISRO. He currently holds the position of Director at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), which functions as ISRO’s premier centre for the development of launch vehicles.[1] He took office on 1 August 2025.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Before this appointment, Rajarajan served as the Director of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), ISRO’s main spaceport located at Sriharikota, where he was responsible for managing launch operations, overseeing range activities, and enhancing infrastructure to support both national and commercial missions.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Acknowledged for his specialization in composite materials, he has played a pivotal role in several key launch vehicle projects such as the PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3.[2]
Early career
According to publicly available information, Rajarajan joined ISRO in 1987. His initial focus was on structural engineering, composite materials, and spacecraft structural design, contributing significantly to qualification testing and development processes within ISRO’s launch vehicle programmes.
Indian Space Research Organisation
Throughout his tenure at ISRO, Rajarajan has undertaken various responsibilities including structural design, composite material development, stage integration, mission preparedness, and launch operations. His involvement has been integral to major vehicle initiatives such as PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3.
Director, SDSC SHAR
During his leadership at SDSC SHAR in Sriharikota, Rajarajan directed launch operations, facilitated modernization of ground support infrastructure, and supported commercial launch activities. His tenure coincided with prominent missions like Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, underscoring ISRO’s scientific prominence in southern India.
Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Assuming the directorship of VSSC on 1 August 2025, succeeding S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Rajarajan oversees the development and qualification of ISRO’s suite of launch vehicles. His responsibilities also include advancing propulsion technologies, composite structural designs, and initiatives related to human-rated spacecraft.
Contributions
Independent analyses highlight:
- his proficiency as an expert in composite materials
- significant input toward indigenizing solid propulsion motors and composite structures
- leadership roles in upgrading spaceport infrastructure
- active participation in pre-launch testing phases for the Gaganyaan mission
Other roles
Rajarajan has contributed to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) along with associated institutional bodies that promote India’s commercial space industry.
Honours
He has been awarded an honorary doctorate (Honoris Causa) by Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology.