Dr. A Sivathanu Pillai

A Sivathanu Pillai is an Indian scientist who formerly served as Honorary Distinguished Professor at Indian Space Research Organisation (2015-2018) and an honorary professor at IIT Delhi in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (2015-2016) and a Visiting Professor at Indian Institute of Science (2014-2015).

He is the President of Project Management Associates and is the former Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra.

He formerly served as Chief Controller of Research and Development from year 1996 to 2014 and held the rank of "Distinguished Scientist" from year 1999 to 2014 at the Defence Research and Development Organisation at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of India. He is also the founder-CEO and managing director of the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.

He also previously served as Vice President of International Project Management Association and as Special Secretary representing India in the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation.

Experience:
20 years in ISRO (Space Mission Design, Systems Engineering of Launch Vehicles, Project Engineering, Program Management, Organisation Profile & Structure) (1969-1986) and (2015-2018)

30 years in DRDO (1986-2014) (Missiles, Naval Systems, Armaments, Combat Engineering Systems, Critical Technology Development, Academy Networking, Industry connect and Manufacturing, Joint Ventures, International Co-operation, Programme Management) and (2018-2020) Research & Innovation.

Dr. Pillai’s fifty years of experience in ISRO and DRDO under the great visionary leaders Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Prof. Satish Dhawan and long association with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam helped to acquire Technology Leadership in the field of Satellite Launch Vehicles, Guided Missiles, Aerospace Systems, Naval Systems and Combat Engineering.

EXPERTISE in Systems Engineering, System Integration, Advanced Technology Research, Mission evolution, Management of Technology Projects & Building Research Institutions, Joint Ventures - in Aerospace & Defence Systems, Advanced Technology R&D Collaborations, Leadership in International Programs, Organisation Development, Strategy Analysis.


CONTRIBUTIONS:
a) ISRO: (SYSTEMS ENGINEER)
I. Core team Member of SLV-3. Contributed for Rocket Motors Development
II. PSLV Configuration Design & Mission Analysis, as a team member
III. GSLV Configuration & Technology options / Missions
IV. Production Engineering
V. Future Space Technologies

SLV-3 (1970-1980)
As a project core team member responsible in progressing four types of rocket motors of SLV-III including development of technologies associated with propulsion, propellants, composite nozzles and pyrogen ignitors. Each technology and resource were meticulously planned and steered to achieve a total of 55 rocket motor static tests for all the four stages before declaring readiness for the flight test. Development of a composite heat shield for the satellite and separation systems for the four stages needed considerable reliability tests. As a team member made significant contributions for the successful completion of SLV – III programme.
Aerospace Design and Dynamics (1980 – 1982)
As a member of the PSLV Study Group, contributed in the evolution of PSLV design and identified technology requirements. Significant contribution came in the choice of technology and systems for PSLV in the optimal configuration for maximum performance. Detailed analysis made on the performance and cost effectiveness of PSLV compared to the world systems. These activities resulted in the final choice of highly reliable PSLV configuration- the present one.
Launch Vehicles / Systems (1982 – 1986)
Evolved configuration options for GSLV and future launch vehicles of ISRO and study of the performance and cost effectiveness of ISRO launchers over the other world class systems. This analysis was useful to get necessary approvals for development of cryogenic systems and mission.
b) DRDO:
(i) As ‘Programme Director-IGMDP’ and ‘Associate Director’-DRDL
Development of Agni, Prithvi, Nag and Akash missiles.
Successful Realization of Critical Technologies (overcoming control regimes), harnessing national resources from multiple institutions through consortium and technology empowering.
Re-structuring/ Organizational Renewal of DRDL to suit IGMDP

(ii) As Chief Controller R&D, guided the development with close partnership of Academy, Industry and Users and led to induction of many systems for Navy and Army:
Navy
• State of the art Sonar systems for ships and submarines.
• Advanced Lightweight Torpedo, Under-water Mines
• Ship Protection Systems
• Stealth Technologies.
Army
• High Energy Materials, Explosives, Warheads
• Small arms, Rockets
• MBT first regiment induction, ICV, Bridging Systems
• Composite material products
Air Force
• Precision Guidance weapons
• Air Armaments
• Air Defence Radars & Control systems

Hypersonic Programme
• Study team member for Hypersonic Reusable Vehicle called Hyperplane, with a unique concept of mass addition for higher payload fraction.
• Technologies requirement such as air-liquefaction in flight and scramjet
Societal Missions (Technology Spin-off)
Introduced missile technology spin-off product Light Weight Calipers for 50,000 polio affected children.

Guided researches in the Institutions/organizations under the DRDO Research Boards, Co-Chaired International Projects with Russia, Belarus, Singapore, France, USA and Israel (contributed for initiating research projects in Naval Technologies, including Hydrodynamics, aerospace, armament & life Sciences.) Promoted Nano Technology initiatives, worked with Arkansas and Pennsylvania State University. Interacted with many Defence establishments, Research Laboratories, Universities, Industries and NASA Centers of USA.

(iii) Architect & Founder Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, BrahMos Aerospace.
Gave strong leadership to BrahMos Aerospace from inception to induction to the Joint Venture, first of its kind between India and Russia to design, develop, produce and market the most advanced supersonic cruise missile. BrahMos made India proud to possess the fastest, highly precise and the most potent missile BRAHMOS which is now inducted in multiple platforms, in all the three services of Indian Armed Forces. BRAHMOS is a world leader in the family of Cruise Missiles surpassing those in the development countries. Project was executed with highly innovative leadership to realise multiple versions, for the delight of the Armed Forces. 205 industries gaining such experience in different systems led to industry complex producing cost effective and high quality products and systems. Different versions were developed and inducted in Armed Forces with order value of $ 7 billion.
5. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Leadership for new technologies development, partnering with network of institutions
• Hydrodynamics (Centres of Excellence at IIT(M)&IIT(Kh))
• Life Sciences, Nano Science & Technology (Centre of Excellence at Bharathiar University)
• Hypersonic Research – Lead role for establishing Centre of Excellence at IISc, Bangalore and Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow. Was Chairman Coordination Committee for Hypersonic activities of the Centre of Excellence at IISc, Bengaluru.
6. FELLOWSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
IEEE
Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE)
Astronautical Society of India (ASI)
Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI)
Indian Institution of Industrial Engineers(IIIE)
Instrument Society of India (ISI)
IPMA Fellowship for Project Leadership
Certified “Level A” Project Director by IPMA

7. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
PADMA BHUSHAN from Government of India in 2013.
PADMA SHRI from Government of India in 2002.
DRDO Scientist of the Year Award in 1988
Hari Om Ashram Prerit Vikram Sarabhai Research Award in 1991
Dr. Davidson Frame Award for Project Leadership from University of
Technology & Management, USA in 2001
Award for Dedicated International Service by OISCA (Organization for
Industrial, Spiritual & Cultural Advancement) International, Japan in 2003.
DRDO award for Performance Excellence - 2004
Raja Rammohan Puraskar in 2006
Lokmanya Tilak Award in 2007
Dr. Y. Nayudamma Memorial Award in recognition of contributions to Aerospace & Missile Technologies in 2008.
DRDO Technology Leadership Award 2009
Lal Bahadur Shastri award given by President of India in 2014
Performance Excellence Award from IIIE 2015
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Order of Friendship Award from Government of Russian Federation, the highest civilian award for foreign national (2013)
The Moscow University of Security, Defence & Law Enforcement honored with Academician of the University and the Order of Peter the Great.
8. HONOURS
Honored with Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by 15 (Fifteen) prestigious universities- from India and Russia.
9. PUBLICATIONS
10. BOOKS PUBLISHED

BrahMos - The Path Unexplored
Success Mantra of BrahMos
Thoughts for Change - We Can Do it Co-authored with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam- Technology Road map for Future India.
Co-author of book titled Envisioning an Empowered Nation – Technology for Societal Transformation, along with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
Ocean Warfare - The Technology Waves, co-authored
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Engineering- co- authored with Prof V. Varadan from Arkansas University, USA
Revolution in Leadership-Building Technology Competence
Revolution in Project Management
Technology Leadership- A Revolution in the Making
40 years with ABDUL KALAM- Untold Stories (2020)

11. PAPERS
PUBLISHED & PRESENTED MORE THAN HUNDRED PAPERS (SOME ATTACHED AS APPENDIX 1). CHAIRED TECHNICAL SESSIONS IN VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

REPORTS/PAPERS PUBLISHED
 “Future ISRO Launchers – A Study” (Report No. ILV/S:TN:32:85/S) by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai (Prepared under the guidance of Prof. S. Dhawan)

 “Performance of Cost Effectiveness of ISRO Launchers” (ILV/S:RN:03:83) By Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam & Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 “Concept Definition & Design of a Single-Stage-to-Orbit-Hyperplane”, R. Gopalaswami, A Sivathanu Pillai, P Venugopalan, S Gola Kota, IAF Congress, IAF-88-94, 8-10 Oct 98

 “102 Launch Azimuth for Geo-synchronous Missions from SHAR (ILV/S:TN:83) by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 “Performance Augmentation of ASLV” (ILV/S:TN:05:83) by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 “PSLV – A Launch for Indian Meteorological Satellite” by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 “HQ Analysis of PSLV Configuration Options” (PSLV:MRLCHR:06:81) by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 “SLV/ASLV Configuration Options – Analysis” (SC-CH-S.478-81) by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 “ISRO Launch Vehicles/Systems – Profile for Future” (ISLV/TP-01-80) by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 “Some Experiences in Launch Vehicle Design and Outlook for Future” (ISLV:TP:04:81) by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 “Large Boosters for Space Missions” (ISRO:HQ:TN:26:81) by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 “Thoughts on Future Launch Vehicles Management” by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai (1980)

 A Launch for Indian Meteorological Satellite, A. Sivathanu Pillai

 REX- Re-entry Experiment, Missile configurations with SLV-3 Stages (1982)

 “Missile Missions 1990-2000” (DRDL:PPA:13:87) by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 “Advanced Technology Project Proposals for VIII Plan” (DRDL:PPA:10:87) by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 “Missile Technology in India – Past, Present and Future” – March, 1992 by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

 Enhanced PERT for Programme Analysis Control and Evaluation PACE, A. Sivathanu Pillai and AK Tiwari AK, International Journal of Project Management, 1995

 Technology empowering and multi-institutional partnership: Strategy for balancing team and task in high technology R&D Projects, - A. Sivathanu Pillai, K. Srinivasa Rao, IPMA 96 World Congress on Project Management, June 24-26, Paris, France, 1996

 Performance Monitoring in R&D Projects, A. Sivathanu Pillai and K Srinivasa Rao, International Journal of R&D Management

 Concurrent Engineering Experiences in High Tech Defence Projects, A Sivathanu Pillai, VN Lal and K Srinivasa Rao, International Journal of Technology Management

 Quality Management Strategies for High Technology Projects in a Multi-Institutional Collaborative R&D Environment, A Sivathanu Pillai, AU Basha, K Srinivasa Rao and VN Lal, The R&D Management Conference, 6-8 March, Enschede, The Netherlands

 High Technology Product Development : Technical and Management Review System - A. Sivathanu Pillai, K. Srinivasa Rao, International Journal of Technology Management Vol. 19, No. 7/8, 2000

 Steering Committee Report on Management Structure for PSLV Production & Capacity Building For ISRO with Industry Consortium- Dec 2016


TYPICAL INVITED TALKS / KEY NOTE ADDRESSES

S. NO TITLE NAME OF SYMPOSIUM ORGANISED BY (DATE)
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
1 A Glimpse of Sonar Technologies in India International Conference on Sonar - Sensors & System NPOL, Kochi (11.12.2002)
2 Integrated Sensing & Processing for Defence Applications International Conference on Intelligent Sensing & Information Processing University of Melbourne & IEEE, Bangalore (15.12.2005)
3 Emerging Technologies in Ocean Warfare International Conference of Marine Hydrodynamics NSTL, Visakhapatnam (7.1.2006)
4 Technology Trends in Surgery ASICON 2006, Surgeon Conference Tiruchirapalli (26.8.2006)
5 Nanotechnology & Futuristic Healthcare 2nd Intl. Conference and Indo-Canadian Satellite Symposium on Pharmaceu-tical Sciences, Tech. and Practice & Natural Health Products, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty (25.02.2007)
6 Design & Manufacturing - Key to Nation's Competitiveness International Conference and Exhibition on Emerging Challenges in Design & Manufacturing - 2007 (ECHDEM 2007) Sathyabama University (28.11.2007)
7 High Energy Materials - Meeting the Future Challenges 6th International High Energy Materials Conference & Exhibit (HEMCE - 07) HEMRL, Pune (13.12.2007)
8 C4I2SR - Battle Preparedness for Tomorrow C4I ASIA Conference, Singapore (18.02.2008)
9 Solid State Ionics - Challenges & Opportunities Inauguration of 11th Asian International Conference on Solid State Ionics Coimbatore
(09.06.2008)
10 Technologies for Future Armoured System & Strategy for Realisation International Technology Seminar on Futuristic Main Battle Tanks & Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles New Delhi (22.07.2008)
11 Solid Propellant Technology- An Indian Perspective International Workshop on Adv. in Processing of Solid Propellant Rocket Motors HEMRL, Pune (22.10.2008)
12 India's Space effort beyond Moon International Conference on Emerging Scenarios in Space Technology & Applications - 2008 Sathyabama University, Chennai (13.11.2008)
13 Stem Cell Research - Opportunities & Challenges 1st International Stem Cell Summit India - 2008, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai (14.11.2008)
14 Underwater Technology International Symposium on Ocean Electronics (SYMPOL-2007), Cochin University (12.12.2007)
15 Futuristic Aerospace Materials & Technologies National Conference on Emerging Materials & Technologies for India - 2020) NIT, Thiruchirapalli (24.1.2008)
16 Advanced Materials & Processing Technologies for Defence International Symposium on Processing and Fabrication of Advanced Materials – PFAM XVII I.I.T, Delhi (15.12.2008)
17 Recent Trends in Smart Materials Technology International Conference on Active / Smart Materials, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai (07.01.2009)
18 OCEAN - Unexplored Potential 1st National Conference OSICON'09 NPOL Kochi (19.03.2009)
19 Computational Intelligent Techniques for Aerospace Applications National Workshop on Applications of Logic Sathyabama University (22.10.2009)
20 Advances in Information Processing ICISA 2010 Panimalar Engineering College
(06.02.2010)
21 Dimensions of Robotics & Communication Technologies International Conference on Emerging Trends in Robotics & Communication Technologies Sathyabama University (03.12.2010)
22 Science – The Lifeline INAUGURAL ADDRESS AT INNOVATION IN SCIENCE PURSUIT FOR INSPIRED RESEARCH (INSPIRE – 2011) TNSTC, Chennai (04.07.2011)
23 Green Technology Solutions For Sustainable Development International Conference on Emerging Green Technology Periyar Maniammai University
(28.07.2011)
24 C4I2SR & NET CENTRIC OPERATIONS C4I2 SUMMIT 2011
CENJOWS & E18 (19.10.2011)
25 Nanotechnology – A Game Changer To Mankind International Conference on Nanoscience, Engineering and Technology Sathyabama University (28.11.2011)
26 Convergence of
Bio-info-nano technologies International Conference on Biomaterials Implant Devices & Tissue Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai (06.01.2012)
S. NO TITLE NAME OF SYMPOSIUM ORGANISED BY (DATE)
27 Multiple Dimensions of Chemical Sciences International Conference on “Popularisation of Chemical Sciences” Guru Nanak College, Chennai (06.01.2012)
28 Advances in C4I ICCCI’12, Shri Shakthi Inst of Engineering & Tech, Coimbatore (10.01.2012)
29 Hypersonic Reusable Systems For Aerospace And Defence 2nd National Symposium On Shock Waves Periyar Maniammai University (27.02.2012)
30 Advances in Computing, Communication & Intelligence in Defence IEEE International Conference on Computing, Electronics and Electrical Technologies (ICCEET-2012)
Noorul Islam University, Kumaracoil (21.03.2012)
31 Space Frontier
- Our Next Destination SPACE FESTIVAL 2012 Bharathiar University (12.07.2012)
32 Expert Systems For Agriculture National Technical Exhibition “OPEN HOUSE 2012” Periyar Maniammai University (16.08.2012)
33 Advanced Materials and Coatings for Corrosion Control Sixteenth National Congress on Corrosion Control NCCI, with CSIR-CECRI, IOCL & Berger Paints (23.08.2012)
34 Nanotechnology – A Game Changer to mankind Inauguration of Refresher Course in Nanoscience (Interdisciplinary) Bharathiar University
(01.12.2012)
35 Strategy for Defence Education, Research and Technology Incubation Conference on Defence Education – DEFED 2012
Hindustan University, Chennai (23.11.2012)
36 Hypersonics– Technology for the Futuristic Space Missions International Symposium on
Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics – Recent Advances IISc, Bengaluru (09.12.2012)
37 Space Frontier – Next destination of the human race Aerospace Festival by Periyar Maniammai University 22.01.2013
38 The Nation’s Greatness Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra (31.01.2013)
39 Mind to Market International Seminar on “Aerospace Products – Challenges in Design to Deployment” AEROINDIA 2013 Bengaluru (05.02.2013)
40 Networking of Core Competencies for sustainable development of SAARC Countries
South Asian Management Forum 2013– 15.02.2013
S. NO TITLE NAME OF SYMPOSIUM ORGANISED BY (DATE)
41 Advances in Materials and Processing for Space & Defence Applications International Conference on Advanced Materials, Manufacturing, Management and Thermal Sciences – AMMMT-2013 Organised by Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur 03.05.2013
42 Societal Transformation Through Conservation – Wealth from Waste 8th Environmental Day Celebrations, organised by EFI, Chennai 08.06.2013
43 Competitiveness for Nation’s Leadership 17th CEOs CONFERENCE Organised by Indian Institution of Industrial Engineering 21.06.2013
44 Futuristic Research Areas and Vision for the University Periyar Maniammai University 27.06.2013
45 ROCKET SCIENCE Course to School Students
46 Strategy for Competitive Advantage in Defence Systems HYPOTHETICAL PACIFIC 2013 Conference
Sydney, Australia 06.10.2013
47 Manufacturing Competitiveness In Aerospace & Defence - Opportunities The Tamil Nadu Manufacturing Summit “Raising the Manufacturing eco-system to the next level” Organised by CII 14.02.2014 and 2020
48 Self-reliant India
through Manufacturing Competitiveness National Awards for Manufacturing Competitiveness 2013-14 Organised by International Research Institute for Manufacturing 06.06.2014


KEY NOTE ADDRESSES - DR. A. SIVATHANU PILLAI


S. NO. TITLE ORGANISED BY
VISION & STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
1 Emerging Aerospace Technologies - the Next One Hundred Years MIT, Chennai (12.03.2004)
2 Technology for Internal Security Police Academy, Hyderabad (05.04.2004)
3 Emerging Defence Technologies Integrated Services Command - Officers (21.10.2004)
4 Emerging Technologies & Nation's competitiveness -Florida State University (02.05.2005)
- Arkansas State University
5 Towards self-reliance in Defence Systems Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi (17.02.2006)
6 India emerging as Strategic Power International Institute of Strategic Studies, London, UK (22.05.2007)
7 Dimensions of India's Fire Power
Fire Power India 2009 Conference organised by CLAWS, New Delhi (31.3.2009)