# Nilesh M Desai

Nilesh M. Desai (born April 1, 1964) is an Indian engineer and space scientist. He has contributed to the development of microwave radar satellites, including RISAT-1 and Oceansat-2, the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quantum Key Distribution, and the third Indian lunar exploration mission-Chandrayaan-3. In 2021, Desai was appointed the director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, a key institution under the ISRO responsible for developing satellite-based applications for communication, navigation and remote sensing.

## Early life and education

Nilesh Desai was born on the 1st of April 1964, into a Gujarati family in Navsari, Gujarat. Desai completed his early education in the Kendriya Vidyalaya school system. He received a Bachelor of Engineering degree from L.D. College of Engineering, Gujarat. In September 2023, Desai was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree (Honoris Causa), during the 28th Convocation of Bundelkhand University for his contribution to the design and development of ISRO’s Microwave Radar (RISAT), Oceansat, NISAR, and Chandrayaan-3.

## Career at ISRO

In 1986 at SAC/ISRO, Desai began to work in ISRO's Microwave Remote Sensing Programme (MRSP). Desai contributed to the design and development of ISRO's microwave Radar Systems, which are used in applications such as earth observation, navigation, and communication technologies. Desai has led the design and development of various key projects, including: RISAT-1 C-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR); Oceansat-2; Scatsat-1; Chandrayaan-2; Orbiter SAR; Lander Altimeter; and Hazard Detection & Avoidance Processing System for Chandrayaan-3. He played a role in advancing VLSI and semiconductor manufacturing in India. He was involved in ISRO's development of its first indigenous ASIC and contributed to efforts to modernize the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh. Additionally, Desai has participated in initiatives related to the formulation of the Indian semiconductor policies. Under his leadership, ISRO developed its first satellite-based quantum communication system (SBQC) using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
During his tenure, he held the positions of Group Director and Deputy Director of multiple technical areas of SAC. He also worked as an associate director for some duration before he became the director of SAC.

## Awards and recognitions

Desai has received multiple awards, including the ISRO Performance Excellence Award (2018), the ISRO Individual Merit Award (2010), and the ISRO Team Award for the RISAT-1 Payload in 2012. Desai receive IESA Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award for contribution to the Indian Space Programme at the Spacetronics and Deftronics Summit (2023), as well as the "Lifetime Achievement Award" for Accelerating the Indian Design Verification Ecosystem by DVCon-India in 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 held the position of Vice President of ISSE-Ahmedabad Chapter.

## Advocacy and outreach

Desai has actively participated in outreach programs such as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Expedition and the Smart India Hackathon (SIH), where he promotes space science education and innovation among students.