Highlighting the growing presence of women in the field of science in India, a significant number of female scientists played crucial roles in the success of Mission Divyastra, led by Programme Director Sheena Rani.
Sheena Rani, a senior scientist, has also been actively involved in several successful missile tests in the past. Additionally, Dr. Shankari S, the programme project director, made significant contributions to the mission’s success, according to defence officials.
Numerous female scientists contributed to developing key technologies for the mission, particularly focusing on the multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology for the Agni-5 missile. Some of the notable women scientists involved in the project are Usha Verma, Neeraja, Vijay Lakshmi, and Venkatamani, all from the strategic missiles laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the successful maiden flight test of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology. This advancement enables the weapon system to deliver multiple nuclear warheads against various targets spread over hundreds of kilometers.
The Indian Agni-5 missile program features an inter-continental ballistic missile capable of striking any target in China or other perceived threats beyond a range of 5,500 kilometers.