Dr Tessy Thomas is first woman scientist to head missile project – new Agni-II version on the anvil

New Delhi: Having broken through glass ceilings in various professions, women  in the country now have another reason to celebrate as one from amongst them is set to head a key missile project. The Government has announced the path-breaking appointment of 45-year-old defence scientist, Dr Tessy Thomas, one of around 200 women scientists and technicians working for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), as project director of the upgraded version of the 2000 km intermediate range nuclear capable ballistic missile, Agni-II.

Dr Thomas is currently associate project director of the 3,000 km range Agni-III missile project.

Dr Thomas, who, along with the entire Agni-III team, was honoured by the Indian prime minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Monday, said that the new version of the Agni-II being planned was a confidential project. The new missile would be referred to as the Agni-II A (2).

"I like my job. I feel I am contributing to my nation's security," Dr Thomas informed the media. She has a son who is similarly named as the country's light combat fighter jet, Tejas.

She said that there were 20 other women scientists working along with her in the Agni-III programme, with at least seven of them involved in the Agni-III programme.

Dr Tessy Thomas, who is an expert on all solid propellants systems, has a BTech from Thrissur Engineering College, Calicut, and an MTech from Pune. She started her career in the DRDO under Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's leadership and guidance.

Thomas, was also part of the team that was involved in the post-test analysis of the failed firing of the first Agni-III missile. She said there were some shortcomings in the missile which were overcome resulting in a smooth flawless test flight on 7 May this year.