Sheena did her higher education in electronics and communications engineering

She was inspired by former Indian President Abdul Kalam

She joined DRDO in 1998, after the Pokhran Nuclear test

Two days ago, Prime Minister Narenda Modi announced the successful test of Agni-5 missile. It has multiple warheads. The project was headed by Sheena Rani. 

Here’s a look at her bio: 

Early Life and Education:

She pursued her higher education in electronics and communications engineering at the esteemed College of Engineering in Thiruvananthapuram. 

After completing her education, Sheena Rani embarked on her professional journey at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), India’s premier civilian rocketry lab. During her eight-year tenure at VSSC, she honed her skills in aerospace engineering and gained valuable experience in the intricacies of rocket technology. Her contributions to various projects marked her as a rising talent in the field.

Transition to DRDO:

The pivotal moment in Sheena Rani’s career came in the aftermath of the Pokhran Nuclear tests of 1998 when she made a lateral move to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This transition marked the beginning of her association with India’s defense research agency, where she would play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s missile capabilities.

Contributions to Missile Technology:

Since joining DRDO in 1999, Sheena Rani has been at the forefront of India’s missile development programs. Her expertise in electronics and communications engineering, coupled with her relentless dedication, led her to specialize in launch control systems for the Agni series of missiles. Over the years, she has made significant contributions to advancing the technological capabilities of India’s missile arsenal.

Leadership and Inspiration:

Sheena’s inspiration is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India. She mirrors Dr. Kalam’s career trajectory, starting from ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center before transitioning to DRDO. Additionally, Sheena Rani acknowledges the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Avinash Chander, a prominent missile technologist who recognized her exceptional dedication and innovation in the field.

Mission Divyastra and MIRV Technology:

Sheena Rani’s crowning achievement came with the successful testing of the Agni-5 missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. Dubbed ‘Mission Divyastra,’ this milestone demonstrated India’s prowess in developing advanced missile systems. The inclusion of MIRV technology signifies a significant leap forward in India’s defense capabilities, allowing for enhanced precision and versatility in targeting multiple locations simultaneously.

Recognition and Legacy:

Sheena Rani’s contributions to India’s missile programs have earned her widespread recognition and acclaim within the scientific community. Her dedication, innovation, and leadership serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists and engineers across the nation. As India continues to advance its defense capabilities on the global stage, Sheena Rani’s legacy as a pioneering missile scientist remains firmly entrenched in the annals of history.