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Prof. Dr. Oommen Tharakan Kuttiyil Thomas
Prof. Dr. Oommen Tharakan Kuttiyil Thomas (born Kerala, India) is a distinguished Indian aerospace scientist, academician, and author, popularly known as the "Rocket Man of Idukki" for his pioneering work in student-led rocketry in the high ranges of Kerala.[1]
After a 38-year career at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he retired as a Senior Scientist (Scientist 'H') and Group Director, he transitioned to academia to mentor the next generation of engineers at Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering and Technology (MBCET).
Early Life and Academic Background
Dr. Oommen Tharakan obtained his B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET). He earned his Master of Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and completed his Ph.D. at IIT Bombay, specializing in Microelectronics and VLSI Design.
Career at ISRO (1987–2025)
Dr. Thomas served nearly four decades at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). As a Group Director in the Avionics Entity, he was instrumental in ensuring "Zero-Defect" electronics for India's launch vehicles (PSLV and GSLV). His expertise spans:
- Electronics Production Quality & Reliability.
- FPGA Testing and Genetic Algorithms.
- Modular Wind Energy Systems for space applications.
The Rocket Man of Idukki
In late 2025, Dr. Thomas achieved a historic milestone at MBCET Peermade by mentoring the design, fabrication, and launch of Basilian-01, a technology demonstrator rocket entirely realized by undergraduate students.[1] This earned him the title "Rocket Man of Idukki" in local and national media.
Selected Publications
Books
- Electronics Production Defects and Analysis, 2024. A comprehensive guide on quality control in microelectronics.
Research Papers
Positions Held
- Senior Scientist 'H' & Group Director, ISRO (VSSC).
- Dean of Research & Development, Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering and Technology (MBCET).
- Head of Department, Electronics and Communication Engineering, MBCET.