Shri D Karthikesan is an Outstanding Scientist, former Director, ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), ISRO, Mahendragiri at Tamil Nadu. Before this, he was working as Deputy Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) at TRIVANDRUM. After retirement he was working as Professor Satish Dhawan Scientist, at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum. He was reviewing and clearing various new designs of Electronics systems and new battery Systems such as Lithium- ion cells and Super Capacitors. He was Deputy Project Director for PSLV, GSLV, and GSLV Mk-III launch vehicles. He was one of the key persons for the design and development of Automatic Launch Vehicle Checkout System for testing and clearing of PSLV and GSLV launch vehicles. He had realised New Launch Control Centres at Sriharikota for testing the integrated Launch Vehicles and issuing the final ignition command. He was instrumental for the realisation of Indigenous Cryo Engine Vacuum Ignition test facility at IPRC, Mahendragiri and conducted the first Vacuum Ignition test. The indigenous Cryo Stage was assembled, integrated, tested and delivered for further integration at Sriharikota. The various test facilities for higher capacity cryo engine sub-systems and stage testing were realised. He is the recipient of ISRO Excellence Award & prestigious Astronautical Society of India (ASI) award. He is a FELLOW of the famous Aeronautical Society of India.