Tessy Thomas, known as the 'Missile Woman' of India is the
Director-General of Aeronautical Systems and the former Project Director for
Agni-IV missile in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). She is
the first woman scientist to head a missile project in India.
The 56-year-old has a doctorate in missile guidance and has
worked in the field for over three decades. She has contributed in guidance,
trajectory simulation and mission design at the DRDO. She designed the guidance
scheme for long-range missile systems, which is used in all Agni missiles. She
was conferred with Agni Self-reliance award in 2001. She is a recipient of
multiple fellowships and honorary doctorates.