Tessy Thomas (born April 1963) is an Indian aerospace engineer who worked on India's missile programs. She joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation in 1985. In 2009, she became the project director of the Agni-IV ballistic missile. She has been called India's "Missile Woman" and "Agniputri" in the media.
She worked as Assistant Project Director during the successful launch of Agni-III in May 2008.
In 2009, she became the project director of the Agni-IV ballistic missile. After this appointment, the media called her India's "Missile Woman" and "Agniputri."
Personal life
She is married to Saroj Kumar, a commander in the Indian Navy and they have a son. Her son's name was Tejas Patel.
Tessy won 'Woman pioneer of the year' award at ETPrime Women Leadership Awards 2023 which was held in Mumbai. The same year, she became a laureate of the Asian Scientist 100 by the Asian Scientist.
In 2025, She is awarded with Paulos Mar Gregorios Award for her exceptional contributions to Science and Technology
In 2026 , She is awarded with the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Lifetime Achievement Award in Science
Sudhakar, R.; Venkanna, M.; Rao, B. V. Papa; Thomas, Tessy (2017). "Prediction of Real Gas and Non-Equilibrium Effects in the Gas Dynamics of Canister Launch Missile". 30th International Symposium on Ballistics. doi:10.12783/ballistics2017/16878. ISBN978-1-60595-419-6.
Ghogale, Shrikant; Venkanna, M.; Rao, B.V. Papa; Thomas, Tessy (2017). "Developmental Challenges during Realization of High Progressivity Rocket Motor". 30th International Symposium on Ballistics. doi:10.12783/ballistics2017/16860. ISBN978-1-60595-419-6.
