Mr V A Thomas was born on May 22, 1944 in Velloor
in Kerala. He received his Post Graduate degree in Aeronautics from the Indian
Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore in 1979. He joined the Space Science and
Technology Centre, Thiruvananthapuram in 1968 after his graduation in
Mechanical Engineering and one year advanced training at Babha atomic research
Centre training school. He moved to ISRO Satellite Cente (ISAC), Bangalore in
1972 where he was primarily involved in evolving methods for systems
integration and testing of Indian Satellites. He wa responsible for assembly,
integration and test of Aryabhata and APPLE satellites. He was also responsible
for evolving methodology for space systems integration and establishment of
related critical infrastructure.
Mr Thomas was the team leader for the definition of 150 kg class Stretched
Rohini satellites series and, later, Project Director of SROSS satellites which
were configured to carry out various scientific experiments. He was the
Resident Project Director to oversee the development and launch of INSAT-ID, a
multipurpose first generation communication satellite.
Later, as Group Director of Programme Planning & Evaluation Group at ISAC,
Mr Thomas was responsible for planning, organizing and evaluating various
satellite programmes in the Cente. He is also specialized in the area of Space
Laws and IPR. He has led the studies on Low Earth Orbit Communications
Satellite constellations and micro gravity recoverable satellite systems, as
well as, in execution of contracts for INMARSAT. He led a team of young
engineers from ISRO Units to generate a draft blue print on future Indian space
programme. Mr Thmoas is at present, Deputy Director at ISAC, looking after
Reliability and Components Area. He played a key role in obtaining the ISO 9000
certification for five key areas at ISAC.
Mr Thomas has nearly 35 technical publications to his credit and a recipient of
Sir C V Raman Birth Centenary Award and NRDC Award.
Mr V A Thomas is presented the ASI Award for the year 2000 in fecongnition of
his significant contribution to Space Systems Management.
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