M. C. Dathan | |
|---|---|
 Chandradathan in 2015 | |
| Born | |
| Alma mater | Birla Institute of Technology Govt. Engg. College, Thrissur SN College, Varkala |
| Occupation | Space scientist |
| Known for | Indian Space Program Chandrayaan Mars Orbiter Mission |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2014) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Indian Space Research Organisation VSSC LPSC SDSC Government of Kerala |
M. C. Dathan is an Indian space scientist and former director of theVikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).[1][2][3][4] TheGovernment of India honoured him, in 2014, by awarding him thePadma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions to the fields of science and technology.[5] In May 2016, theGovernment of Kerala appointed MC Dathan as the scientific advisor to chief minister.[6][7]
Madhavan Chandradathan was born to Madhavan and Vasumathy, inVarkala.[1][2][3] He graduated in chemical engineering[8] from theGovernment Engineering College, Thrissur in 1971 and secured a master's degree (MTech) from theBirla Institute of Technology in 1985.[9]
Chandradathan started his career in 1972, by joining theIndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) where he worked for theSLV-3 project, the development of solid propellant formulations. He also contributed to the realisation of solid motors forSLV-3,ASLV andPSLV projects.[9] Later, Chandradathan took up the assignment of developing rocket nozzles primarily for solid motors. He became the head of the ablative nozzle production unit in 2000, where he remained till 2004. During this period, his team developed the flex nozzle for the S200 motor and the S200 booster for theGSLV Mk-III project.[9]
He was promoted to Chief Executive of theSolid Propellant Plant (SPROB) for the PSLV and GSLV boosters. In this position, Chandradrathan oversaw the establishment of a new Solid Propellant Plant (SPP), which was commissioned in 2008.[10]
Chandradathan became the Director of theSatish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR (SDSC), in 2008.[9][11][12] During his tenure as the Director, Chandradathan is reported to have contributed to the improvement of production levels of solid boosters. He is also credited with two ground tests for S200 segments of the GSLV Mk-III, expansion of the facilities, and the development of a new Mission Control Centre and Launch Control Centre.[9]
In January 2013, he became the Director of theLiquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC),[13] which controlled the Thiruvananthapuram, Mahendragiri and Bangalore campuses of the ISRO.[1][2][3][9] In June 2014, he was made the Director of theVikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).[1][2][3]
He was also the head of the launch authorisation board ofChandrayaan-1 project.[8]
In May 2016, theGovernment of Kerala appointed MC Dathan as the scientific advisor to chief ministerPinarayi Vijayan.[6][7]
Chandradrathan is a recipient of many honours and awards, includingPerformance Excellence Award (2009) fromISRO,Outstanding Chemical Engineer Award (2009) from theInstitution of Engineers (India) (IEI) andIndividual Service Award (2006) from ISRO.[9]
In 2014, theGovernment of India honoured him with the civilian award ofPadma Shri.[5]
Chandradathan has attended many seminars and conferences to give keynote addresses.[14] He has also published many articles in such journals of repute as theInternational Astronautical Federation.[15]
| Government offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by S. Ramakrishnan | Director,Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre 2014 - 2015 | Succeeded by |
