Dr A. E. Muthunayagam, awarded the Padma Shri 2026, is a pioneering space scientist and the founding Director of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. An IISc and Purdue alumnus, he played a key role in developing India’s liquid propulsion technology, underpinning major launch vehicles like PSLV and GSLV. His decades-long career has shaped India’s space programme and scientific legacy.
