Nilesh M Desai

Nilesh M. Desai is an Indian engineer and a space scientist known for his contributions to the field of space technology and applications. His contributions span across multiple ambitious Indian space programs, notably in the development of microwave radar satellites, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quantum Key Distribution,  and spearheading the third Indian lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-3. He assumed the directorship of the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, on 1 January 2021.

Early life and education
Nilesh Desai born on 1 April 1964 in a Gujarati family, of Navsari in Gujarat. Desai completed his schooling from Kandriya Vidhlya. Desai graduated with top honors, securing the gold medal in the 1985/86 batch of BE (Electronics & Communication) from L. D. College of Engineering, Gujarat, as well as Bundelkhand University. Jhansi has recently conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris causa) at its 28th Convocation held on 30 September 2023, for his immense contribution in the design and development of ISRO’s Microwave Radar (RISAT ), Oceansat, NISAR, and critical elements of Chandrayaan-3.

Career at ISRO
Commencing his professional journey in 1986 at SAC/ISRO, Desai began working in ISRO's Microwave Remote Sensing Programme (MRSP). Over his career, Desai has been instrumental in the design and development of ISRO's Microwave Radar Systems, contributing significantly to advanced applications encompassing earth observation, navigation, and communication technologies for societal welfare, governance, and strategic purposes. Desai's expertise lies in leading the design and development of various key projects such as RISAT-1 C-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Oceansat-2 and Scatsat-1, Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter SAR and Lander Altimeter, and Hazard Detection & Avoidance Processing System for Chandrayaan-3. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the realization of Airborne SAR for Disaster Management, MiniSAR, as well as signal & data processing and remote sensing applications. Desai played a pioneering role in advancing VLSI and semiconductor manufacturing within India. Under his astute guidance, ISRO achieved a significant milestone by developing its first indigenous ASIC. His critical involvement led to the modernization of India’s semiconductor manufacturer, SCL Chandigarh, and has been actively contributing to the formulation of Indian semiconductor policies towards enhancing the semiconductor landscape of India. Under his guidance, ISRO pioneers the development of the first Satellite Based Quantum Communication (SBQC).

During his tenure, he held the positions of Group Director and Deputy Director of different technical areas of SAC. He also worked as Associate Director for some duration before he became the director of SAC.

Contributions and recognitions
His contributions and leadership have earned him prestigious accolades, including the ISRO Performance Excellence Award-2018, ISRO Individual Merit Award-2010, and the ISRO Team Award for RISAT-1 Payload in 2012. Desai's recent recognitions include the IESA Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Indian Space Programme at Spacetronics and Deftronics Summit-2023, as well as the "Lifetime Achievement Award" for Accelerating the Indian Design Verification Ecosystem by DVCon-India, 2023.

International representation and professional affiliations
Nilesh Desai has represented ISRO and India at various international forums in countries such as Austria, China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, and the United Kingdom. He has actively contributed to discussions and conferences, notably organizing and presiding over the ICG-14 held in India in December 2019. He remains an active life member of several professional societies, including the Indian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS), Indian Society of Geomatics (ISG), Astronautical Society of India (ASI), and Indian Society of Systems for Science and Engineering (ISSE). Desai served as the National President of ISRS from 2020 to 2022 and currently holds the position of Vice President of ISSE -Ahmedabad Chapter.

Advocacy and outreach
Desai's enthusiasm for space science outreach is evident through his involvement in activities like the Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition, Smart India Hackathon(SIH), and delivering popular lectures in engineering and science on National Science & Technology days. As the Chief Nodal Officer of ISRO/DOS for SIH, he actively spearheads various outreach initiatives for school and college students at SAC/ISRO.