M.V. Kannan has over 37 years of experience in structural analysis, testing, and project management for ISRO. He specializes in static load testing and experimental stress analysis of aerospace structures. As head of several divisions, he has led the static load testing of all Indian satellite structures, including PSLV, IRS, INSAT, and Chandrayaan-1. He has also served as project director for multiple satellite missions. Currently, he is the head of the Projects Division at ISAC, overseeing project monitoring, scheduling, and coordination across ISRO centers.

1. PROFILE IN ISRO - ISAC
M.V.KANNAN
Engineer-G
Head, Projects Division
PPEG, ISAC
Date of birth : 17th March 1950
Educational
Qualifications: B.SC (Madras University);DMIT(Aero) from Madras Institute of
Technology, Chennai
Area of Specialization: Project Management, Specialization in Spacecraft structures load
testing and Experimental stress analysis
Present Designation: Head, Projects Division, PPEG
Engineer, Structural Analysis
Project Coordinator ,Design & Analysis, ANURADHA 3SAN21
Test team leader, Static load testing of all S/C structures (SROSS
,IRS,INSAT,GSAT,I-1K and 2K composite etc)
Head, Experimental Stress Analysis and NDE
Project Engineer (Structures) - SROSS 1
Positions Held
Programme Manager (Structures & Mechanism) – SROSS 2
Deputy Project Director, SROSS-C & SROSS-C2
(Nov 1973 to till date)
Deputy Project Director,INSAT-3B & GSAT-1
Member-Secretary, PMB (INSAT-4B/INSAT-4C/INSAT-4CR/GSAT-
5/GSAT-6/GSAT-7/GSAT-8
Member, Project Executive Board,Chandrayaan-1
Head, Projects Division, PPEG
Deputy Project Director, Astronaut Training Centre (ATC-
HSP),Technical Services

2. Awards: 1975 Distinguished Award for Aryabhatta
Recipient of ISRO Team Excellence Award for INSAT- 4CR in 2009
Patents : 2 Nos
Memberships (National) : Life member ISAMPE
Special Roles (Chairman/Member)
:Reviews / Advisory / Management Committees / Contracts / Event Managements
etc
Technical Publications/Papers:
• Publications – 10 in technical journals/international /national conference
• Technical Reports/Documents: Over 300

3. Accomplishments / Achievements/Experience:
I have a total experience of over 37 years to my credit in static load testing and analysis of aerospace
structures, project management in various capacities / roles. As Head of Static Load Tests and
Experimental Stress Analysis, I have contributed significantly in the area of testing of Indian Satellite
Structures and validation of associated structural elements.
STRUCTURES – ROLE: ANALYST / HEAD, EXPT STRESS ANALYSIS /
STRUCTURE LOAD TESTING, DESIGNATE (STR SUBSYSTEM) FOR S/C
Structural Analysis (Till 1981)
Finite element techniques and supporting matrix methods and generation of computer
programmes (FORTRAN) - Formulation of matrix for finite element tapered beams –
Demonstration of the tapered beam elements successfully in the Static, Free vibration and
Response Analysis of tall chimneys of varying cross sections (Aero, IISC Project).Static
and free vibration analysis of ANURADHA (3SAN21) using SAP-IV- Static and Free
Vibration of ABM support structure of Apple Satellite
Structural Testing & Experimental Stress Analysis (1981 to 2002)
I have specialized in Structural static load tests and experimental stress analysis
subsequent to my transfer to Experimental Structures Division. I have established
experimental stress analysis laboratory comprising of Strain gauging and measurement
technique, Stress measurement using Reflection photo elasticity, Residual stress
measurements using blind hole drilling technique and supporting software tools for
analysis of data. I have carried out experimental studies using these techniques to support
design for all structural elements and associated joints for all Satellite projects.
In the area of structural static load tests of Indian Satellites, I have played major role. The
test requirement for each satellite is different and I have to replenish the test set up based
on objectives of test every time even though certain test support elements are common. I
established a full-fledged static test rig to support large spacecraft test activity. The
glossary of all major activities connected with planning and execution of static load
testing of satellite structure is as mentioned under where in my role and involvement is
significant.
1. Establishing a fully fledged Static load test facility (for individual & combined
loading) comprising of test rigs, displacement measurement set up, Computer
controlled hydraulic loading system, Instrumentation, Data acquisition system and
analysis software support for testing of large Structures. Compressive loading of with

4. extensive monitoring of strains and displacements using strain gauges,
photoelasticity, dial gauges and LVDTs.
2. Developmental tests: Load tests on corrugated short cylinder, conical Honeycomb
Sandwich cylinder, CFRP short cylinder, Static load tests on Satellite secondary
structural components /joints for design iterations.
3. Process control and material validation tests for honeycomb sandwich components.
4. Experimental characterization of Elastic and strength properties of CFRP (Carbon
Fiber Reinforced Plastic).
5. Static Qualification combined load testing (as per launch vehicle load specifications)
of all Structures of Scientific, Remote sensing and communication Satellites.
o SROSS-I (Structural Model)(150 Kgs)
o INSAT-II Structural Model (2000 Kgs)
o IRS-1C/1D Structural Model (1000 Kgs)
o Corrugated Short Cylinder compression test
o Honeycomb sandwich shell compression load test
o INSAT-2E Structural Model (2500 Kgs)
o IRS-TES, IRS-P5, IRS-P6 (1200 Kgs)
o CFRP /Honeycomb sandwich cylinder compressive load test
o IRS-P5 (Composite version)
6. Experimental studies using strain gauging, photo-elasticity, residual stress
measurement.
Project Designate
I have served in projects under various capacities as given below and delivered the
subsystem in line with requirements/challenges/constraints. In addition, I am responsible
in carrying out requisite qualification/acceptance level static/dynamic/acoustic
environmental tests on all these spacecraft as structural expert.
Project Engineer, SROSS-I (Structures)
Programme Manager, SROSS-II (Structures)
Deputy Project Director, SROSS-C and SROSS-C2 (Mechanical Systems)

5. Deputy Project Director- INSAT-3B (Structures)
Deputy Project Director - GSAT-1 (Structures)
PROGRAMME PLANNING & EVALUATION GROUP (PPEG)
Head, Projects Division, PPEG (2003 to 2010)
PPEG is a centrally coordinating agency in the Centre as well as Technical secretariat of the
Director. As PPEG takes care of Centre Level Resources in Multi Project Environment, Projects
Division’s role becomes very critical when project activities are in peak mode in addressing real
time issues. Many such critical issues related to projects are addressed in real time. Besides the
above, the Division has the responsibility of handling Satellite Technology Cell dealing with
TDPs and Respond Programmes of this Centre and MOUs / Technology
Transfer/IPR/Patenting/Copy rights etc related activities of the Centre.
More coordinated /effective approach for spacecraft project monitoring & scheduling in multi
projects environment including periodical reviews is established under my guidance and team
support. I have pro actively extended the scope of our function beyond projects schedule follow
up and linked activities and successfully brought out good analysis documents /reports on
performance of projects in terms of schedule and technology aspects and technical publications in
a befitting manner. In a nut shell, I am responsible for making the role of Projects Division of
PPEG more effective by establishing good liaison with project teams, Group Director, PPEG and
Director, ISAC. This has given me further recognition of becoming member-secretary for
GEOSAT projects PMB. The role played by me in the realisisation of fast track satellite INSAT-
4CR and Chandrayaan-1 project was well appreciated by Management.
Worked closely with all Directors (since2003), ISAC in the development and implementation of
spacecraft programme operational plan, project priorities and streamlining the project activities in
the Centre and status reporting to Director.
I am the recipient of Team excellence award (INSAT- 4CR) in the year 2008. I have been
also given the responsibility as Deputy Project Director, Technical Services – ASTRONAUT
TRAINING CENTRE for Human Space flight programme.
PATENTS:
• Improved Universal Testing Machine, Patent No.184705 (1995), R.Samuel, K.Haridas,
M.V.Kannan, P.S.Nair and A.V.Patki
• A Multichannel Automated Static Load Testing Machine, Application No.1356/MAS/95,
R.Samuel, K.Haridas, V.Kesavan, T.S.Sriranga, M.V.Kannan, P.S.Nair and A.V.Patki
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS
Over 300 documents on Design, Analysis, Testing, Project management etc

6. PUBLICATIONS
1. M.V.Kannan, R.Samuel, P.S.Nair "Qualification of Spacecraft Structure for Quasi-Static
loads"ICSTAD Proceedings, July-August 1990,Bangalore-India.
2. Dr.M.K.Padmanabhan, M.V.Kannan, et.al "Some experimental studies on residual stresses
due to forming and machining of aluminum alloys" VI International Congress on Experimental
Mechanics, Oregeon, USA (June 5-10,1988).
3. Dr.M.K.Padmanabhan,M.V.Kannan,et.al "Studies on assembly stresses and stress
distribution due to loading in multiple bolted joints" VI International Congress on Experimental
Mechanics,Oregeon,USA(June 5-10,1988)
4. Dr.M.K.Padmanabhan,M.V.Kannan,et.al Design and development of a computer controlled
system for Spacecraft static testing" Twentieth Mid Western Mechanics Conference,Purdue
University,Indiana,USA (August 31,Sept.2 1987)
5. Dr.M.K.Padmanabhan, M.V.Kannan, et.al "Honeycomb Sandwich shell part-II testing for
typical space qualification load levels" International Symposium on "Innovative applications of
shells and spatial form" Nov.21-25 1988,Bangalore-India.
6. R.Samuel, K.Haridas, M.V.Kannan "A new system for Spacecraft Static tests" Journal of
Spacecraft Technology, Vol.9, No.2, July 1999.
7. M.V.Kannan et.al "The flexural and Torsional constant of Honeycomb Sandwich construction"
(presented during XI National Seminar on Aerospace Structures Feb.8-9, 2002, Bangalore-
India.
8. R.Samuel,K.Haridas,M.V.Kannan,P.S.Nair & A.V.Patki “A new System for Spacecraft Static
Tests” Vol9,No.2,July 1999 Journal of Spacecraft Technology
9. Ms. Deepti Lakshman, M.V.Kannan, H.Bhojraj “APPLICATION OF ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS
TECHNIQUES IN SPACECRAFT PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Journal of Spacecraft
Technology Jan 2010
10. Jagathipriya, P.Byali, M.V.Kannan CRITICAL CHAIN MANAGEMENT – a new project
management philosophy for multi-project environment: Published in JST Vol. 2008 issue 2.