Dr.Ramanujam Varatharaja Perumal Cherukuri (Native of Tuticorin District - Tamilnadu) Sri R V Perumal , a leading technologist in the field of
Space Research, was the Director of LPSC. As Director, LPSC, he has provided
direction in the Development of Liquid Rocket Stages and engines like
indigenous Cryogenic Stage for GSLV and new initiatives like 2000 kN
Semi-Cryogenic Engines for future heavy lift launch vehicles of ISRO.
He has served as Director (Projects) & Associate
Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Trivandrum in the period from
September 20, 2003 to October 29, 2004.
He was the Associate Director (Projects), Vikram Sarabhai
Space Centre (VSSC), Trivandrum In-charge of overall technical and financial
management of all the Launch Vehicle Projects of ISRO during the period May
2001 to October 2004.
He was the Project Director of Geo-Synchronous Launch
Vehicle Project (GSLV). As Project Director, GSLV, led the team in the
realisation of the vehicle during the crucial phases of developmental and
qualification testing. A very important and difficult task was the technical and
financial management of the Russian Contract for the procurement of the
Cryogenic Stage. By bringing in the vast experience in the launch vehicle
technology and also the management expertise gained in large high value,
technology intensive and risk prone contracts, the Cryogenic Stage realisation
was successfully managed. Against a backdrop of series of failures of new
launch vehicles, GSLV was successful in the very first launch. This is
considered extremely creditable for India.
He was the Dy. Project Director, Structural & Mechanical
Systems (SMS)/ Project Director, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) As
DPD-SMS, led the team in the design of hardware and mechanical systems of the
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The effort involved conceptualising the
design, detailed design with special attention to functional requirements,
realisation, testing and qualification.
Special mention may be made on: -
Realisation of Maraging steel motor case of 2800 mm diameter
from materials to final product. In particular, development of welding
technology and NDE techniques and acceptance standards
Conceptual designs for Aluminium alloy stiffened shell
structures of PSLV like
Core Base Shroud capable of receiving concentrated axial
loads (700 kN), radial loads and large cut-outs for avionics
Integrally stiffened shell structure of 3.2m diameter and
8.3m length for the payload fairing with interchangeable longitudinal frangible
joints
Total number of structures newly designed under direct
involvement is 13
Definition and setting up of an integrated light alloy
structural manufacturing facility involving large CNC machines and assembly
jigs to realise upto 3.2 m in diameter 8.5 m in length structures
Coordinated the efforts towards integration, realisation and
launch of first three launches of PSLV as Vehicle Director and Mission Director
Vast experience in overall system level planning and
managing development of multi-disciplinary complex systems like launch vehicles
Have set up the environmental test facilities including
India's first space simulation chamber, aerodynamic heating simulator for
rocket structures and structural testing facilities
He has served as Dy. Head, Structural Engineering Division
(DH-STR) during the period from October 1970 to August 1980. Actively involved
in the design analysis of various products and contributed through value
addition to meet the design requirements and improve their robustness. As
Project Leader of the Launch Systems for SLV-3, led the team in the design and
realisation of the launcher, which can lift the 17 ton, 21 m long SLV-3 from
its transporter and make it vertical and also align the azimuth for launch.
During this period as Chairman of the Failure Analysis Board, analysed all
failures in the mechanical and chemical systems occurring during development
and resolved them leading to realisation of more reliable products.
He was also awarded:
* Astronautical Society of India Award for Rocket &
Related Technologies-1994
* HK Firodia Memorial Award for Excellence in Science &
Technology-2001
* Padma Bhushan Award for Science & Technology- 2002 by
Govt. of India
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