Veteran space scientist Dr A. E. Muthunayagam, pioneer of India's liquid rocket propulsion programme and founding Director of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), was awarded the Padma Shri in 2026. Born 11 January 1939 in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, he was key to developing the Vikas engine used in PSLV and GSLV.