India on March 11, 2024 marked a significant milestone in the country's defence capabilities as it successfully conducted the first flight test of Mission Divyastra. (Image: PTI)
Launched from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha Coast, the indigenously-developed Agni-5 missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, demonstrated its prowess in deploying multiple warheads at different locations. (Image: PTI)
Under the leadership of missile expert R Sheena Rani, Mission Divyastra has positioned India in an elite league, as the 5,000-km-range missile showcased its extensive reach covering nearly all neighboring countries. (Image: News18)
The 57-year old led the missile project as programme director at the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) in Hyderabad. Additionally, she holds the role of associate director at DRDO's ASL, known for its development of various Agni missile variants. (Image: Reuters)
After an eight-year tenure at ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Rani transitioned to DRDO through lateral entry in 1999 following the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. Since then, she has dedicated her efforts to India's Agni missile program. (Image: Reuters)
Collaborating with multiple DRDO units tasked with developing diverse subsystems of the Agni missile, Rani’s responsibilities include verifying and ensuring the optimal functionality of missiles prior to their launch. (Image: Reuters)
Rani drew inspiration from India's ‘Missile Man’ and former DRDO chief & President of India, A P J Abdul Kalam. She also found guidance in her career from missile technologist Dr. Avinash Chander within the organisation. (Image: Reuters)
Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Rani was brought up by her mother following her father's demise when she was in class 10. Her husband P S R S Sastry also worked with DRDO on missiles. (Image: Reuters)
Throughout her tenure at DRDO, Rani has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious "scientist of the year award" in 2016. (Image: Reuters)