Know the masterminds behind Mars Orbiter Mission

New Delhi: India began its space journey in 1975 with the launch of Aryabhatta using a Russian rocket and it has completed over 100 space missions till date,.The latest one is Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) which was launched on November 5, 2013 by country's workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the spaceport of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.Today, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed the Mars-bound spacecraft, Mangalyaan, into the orbit of the Red Planet.India has never before attempted an inter-planetary journey which requires command over complex space technology enabling the probe to run autonomously.Here goes the list of scientists who have scripted the success story of this mission:1. K RadhakrishnanHe is the Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation. He is a technocrat par excellence; a dynamic and result-oriented Manager with very fine personal and inter-personal qualities. He has been working with the ISRO since 1972. He is responsible for overall activities of the Indian space agency. Radhakrishnan graduated in Electrical Engineering from Kerala University in 1970 and completed his PGDM from IIM Bangalore in 1976. He was awarded Doctorate for his thesis titled ‘Some Strategies for Indian Earth Observation System' from IIT Kharagpur in 2000.2. S RamakrishnanHe is the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and Member Launch Authorisation Board. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre is a major space research centre of the ISRO, focusing on rocket and space vehicles for country's satellite programme. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram. Ramakrishnan is working with ISRO since 1972. He is responsible for realising the rocket (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). Ramakrishnan graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai, in 1970 and received his M Tech in Aerospace from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.3. M AnnaduraiHe is a scientist with the ISRO. Currently, he is the Programme Director of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). He is responsible for budget management, direction for spacecraft configuration, schedule management, resource allocation for the mission. Annadurai and his works are mentioned in 10th standard Science Text Book of Tamil Nadu.4. AS Kiran Kumar: He is the Director of Satellite Application Centre. Kumar is responsible for designing and building three of the orbiter payloads -- Mars Colour Camera, Methane Sensor and Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer. Kumar joined the ISRO in 1975. He has made immense contributions to the task of evolving the observation strategy encompassing land, ocean, atmospheric and planetary studies. He obtained B Sc (Honours) degree in Physics and M Sc degree in Electronics from Bangalore University as well as M Tech degree in Physical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.5. MYS PrasadHe is the Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre and Chairman of Launch Authorisation Board. He is responsible for range safety and schedules, overall incharge at rocket port. Ramakrishnan joined ISRO in August 1972 and worked as member in SLV-3 Project team responsible to develop India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle under the leadership of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. Ramakrishnan graduated in Mechanical Engineering in the year 1970 from Guindy Engineering College, Chennai and got his M Tech in Aerospace from IIT, Madras in 1972 with first rank.6. SK ShivakumarHe is the Director of ISRO Satellite Centre. He is responsible for developing satellite technology and implementing satellite systems for scientific, technological and application missions. He obtained Bachelor's Degree in Science from Mysore University, BE in Electrical Communications Engineering as well as MTech in Physical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.7. P KunhikrishnanHe is Project Director of PSLV programme and responsible for seeing the rocket completes is mission successfully and that the satellite is correctly injected in the designated orbit.8. Subbiah ArunanHe is known for his role of Project Director for Mars Orbiter Mission. He is responsible for leading a team to build the spacecraft. Born in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, Arunan completed his Mechanical Engineering. In 1984, he started his career in Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.9 . B Jayakumar: He is Associate Project Director to PSLV Project and responsible for the rocket systems, testing till the final lift-off.10. MS Pannirselvam: He is the Chief General Manager, Range Operation Director at Sriharikota Rocket port. He is responsible for maintaining launch schedules without any slippages.