Madhavan Chandradathan

M. C. Dathan is an Indian space scientist and former director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The Government of India honoured him, in 2014, by awarding him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions to the fields of science and technology. In May 2016, the Government of Kerala appointed MC Dathan as the scientific advisor to chief minister.

Biography Madhavan Chandradathan was born to Madhavan and Vasumathy, in Varkala. He graduated in chemical engineering

Chandradathan started his career in 1972, by joining the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) where he worked for the SLV-3 project, the development of solid propellant formulations. He also contributed to the realisation of solid motors for SLV-3, ASLV and PSLV projects.

Chandradathan became the Director of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR (SDSC), in 2008. During his tenure as the Director, Chandradathan is reported to have contributed to the improvement of production levels of solid boosters. He is also credited with two ground tests for S200 segments of the GSLV Mk-III, expansion of the facilities, and the development of a new Mission Control Centre and Launch Control Centre. which controlled the Thiruvananthapuram, Mahendragiri and Bangalore campuses of the ISRO.

In May 2016, the Government of Kerala appointed MC Dathan as the scientific advisor to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He has also published many articles in such journals of repute as the International Astronautical Federation.