R. Sheena Rani, a trailblazing missile expert, led a team from the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) in orchestrating India’s groundbreaking flight-test of the Agni-5 missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. This historic launch occurred from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
At 57 years old, Rani served as the programme director at the Hyderabad-based Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) of DRDO. Under her guidance, ASL developed the Agni-5 missile with multiple nuclear warheads, catapulting India into an exclusive league of nations and capturing global attention, particularly from neighbouring China, due to its impressive 5,000-kilometer range.
Hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Rani’s journey was marked by resilience and determination, having lost her father during her formative years. According to reports she attributes her success to the unwavering support of her mother, who became the pillar of strength for Rani and her sister. After completing her engineering degree from the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET), Rani joined DRDO through lateral entry in 1999, following India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.
Rani’s commitment to India’s missile programme is unwavering, with her involvement dating back to her tenure at ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. However, her crowning achievement lies in spearheading the development of MIRV technology within the Agni missile programme, a testament to her dedication and expertise. In her own words, she takes immense pride in contributing to safeguarding the nation’s borders.
Married to P S R S Sastry, who also contributed to DRDO’s missile projects, Rani found inspiration in the iconic figures of India’s ‘Missile Man,’ A P J Abdul Kalam, and Dr Avinash Chander, a renowned missile technologist.
Throughout her tenure at DRDO, Rani has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious “Scientist of the Year Award” in 2016. Her responsibilities include ensuring the health and readiness of missiles before launch, a task that fills her with both anticipation and nervousness.
Her journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, underscoring her pivotal role in empowering India’s defence capabilities and securing the nation’s future.