Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai is one of India’s most celebrated space scientists, globally recognized for his leadership in India’s iconic Moon and Mars missions. Dubbed the “Moon Man of India,” Dr. Annadurai served the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for over 36 years and has left an indelible mark on the nation’s space exploration legacy.
From leading India’s maiden Moon mission, Chandrayaan-1, to the globally acclaimed Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), Dr. Annadurai’s work has inspired a new generation of scientists, engineers, and visionaries. His unmatched contribution to India’s space journey earned him the Padma Shri in 2016, along with more than 100 national and international accolades.
Born in 1958 in the village of Kothavadi, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Annadurai began his journey from modest beginnings. After completing his engineering in Electronics and Communication and a master’s from PSG College of Technology, he went on to earn a PhD in engineering from Anna University. In 1982, he joined ISRO, where his legacy would begin to take shape.
As Project Director of Chandrayaan-1 (2004–2008), India’s first lunar mission, he led a diverse team that collaborated with global space agencies like NASA, ESA, and JAXA. Under his direction, the mission not only met but exceeded its goals – mapping the Moon’s surface and even discovering the presence of water molecules. Chandrayaan-1 established India’s reputation as a serious contender in deep space exploration.
Following this, Dr. Annadurai took charge as Program Director for Mangalyaan, India’s first interplanetary mission to Mars. Launched in 2013 and entering Martian orbit in 2014, it was a masterstroke of engineering and budget discipline. The mission gained global attention as the most cost-effective Mars mission ever executed at a fraction of the cost of similar missions by other spacefaring nations.
From 2015 to 2018, Dr. Annadurai served as the Director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) in Bengaluru, India’s premier institution for satellite development. During his tenure, he oversaw the development, launch, and operationalization of over 30 state-of-the-art satellites supporting communication, remote sensing, navigation, and space science.
He also played a critical role in operationalizing the NAVIC constellation, India’s indigenous satellite-based navigation system, which has immense strategic and civilian applications.
In recognition of his scientific leadership, Dr. Annadurai was named one of Foreign Policy magazine’s 100 Global Thinkers in 2014, topping the “Innovators” category. His achievements have since been included in the science textbooks of Tamil Nadu’s education board, making him a household name among aspiring students.
Since retiring from ISRO, Dr. Annadurai has continued to serve science and society in multiple roles. He is currently the Vice President of the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology and Chairman of the National Design and Research Forum (NDRF). Through these roles, he champions STEM outreach in schools, fosters industry-academia collaborations, and mentors young entrepreneurs in socially relevant innovation.
He also chairs the Aerospace Committee of the Southern India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) and serves on advisory boards of startups and educational foundations across India and abroad.
Dr. Annadurai has authored 7 books on space science and innovation, many of which are used as academic references. His life has even been portrayed in mainstream cinema. The character played by Akshay Kumar in the film Mission Mangal was inspired by his role in the Mars Orbiter Mission, and he has been depicted in the feature film Chandrayaan.
Whether you’re hosting a leadership summit, educational conclave, innovation forum, or international science festival, Dr. Annadurai brings unmatched expertise, grounded storytelling, and visionary insights. His sessions cover:
Leading India’s Moon and Mars Missions: The Inside Story
Innovation Under Constraints: Lessons from Mangalyaan
Future of Indian Space Technology and Global Collaboration
Igniting Young Minds: Science Outreach and Mentorship
Indigenous Technologies for National Growth and Self-Reliance
From Village to ISRO: A Journey of Grit, Purpose, and Nation Building
Dr. Annadurai’s talks are more than lectures, they’re inspiration in motion. Backed by data, rich visuals, and real mission experiences, his delivery connects equally well with scientists, students, policymakers, and corporate leaders.
