The Stellar Role Of India’s Women Scientists At Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
Iqbal Ahmad
Women are as important as men in running forward the journey of this civilization. Women have played an equal role in running the journey of every country towards success. The space mission of India that has achieved unbelievable success as India has become the fourth country to land on Moon, has been ably guided by the women of the country.
On 23 August, 2023, India’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the moon’s south pole. This achievement makes India the fourth country, after the US, China, and the former Soviet Union, to softly land on the moon. Before the historic lunar landing, celebrations and prayers took place across the country. The Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched from Sriharikota on July 14.
Admiration and astonishment
Women scientists have played an equal role in the success of the moon mission of India.
As images of the saree-clad female scientists circulated across the internet, a wave of admiration and astonishment swept through online communities.
In India there’s one name that stands out in the world of space exploration, Dr Ritu Karidhal.
‘Rocket Woman’ Dr Ritu Karidhal
Known as the ‘Rocket Woman’, Karidhal was a Deputy Operations Director to India’s Mars orbiter mission – Mangalyaan.
People were seriously proud to see these scientists working their magic in a traditional Indian attire, the saree, within their workspace – sight not as common nowadays, particularly when it comes to women in professional domains.
“The next time someone calls saree a regressive attire, ye picture muh pe phenk ke maarna unke,” quipped one observer. Another voice chimed in, “So lovely to see our women scientists dressed in Indian attire working successfully in our space centres. Proud moment for our society too- gives girls ample opportunities to excel and conquer even Rocket Science.”
Dr Agrawal, Dr Tolani, Madhavi Thakre
Women scientists played an epic part in every step of the success of Chandrayaan-3.
For instance, the MRSA, which Agrawal and Tolani are part of, was entrusted with converting the entire lunar surface into smaller grids and mapping it perfectly so that the lander, while approaching the designated spot, can assess if it has any major pits.
Similarly, Madhavi Thakre from the sensor development area (SDA), worked on the Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA) software system including the cameras that eventually beamed the lander’s final touchdown to the world.
This was not the end.
Dr Shweta Kirkire, Dr Jalshri Desai, Dr Nidhi Sharma
Shweta Kirkire and Jalshri Desai worked on the lander position detection camera (LPDC) that were the eyes of the lander.
A proud feeling was witnessed as Assam’s Tinsukia as one of their own, ISRO scientist Nidhi Sharma, takes the helm of the eagerly awaited Chandrayaan 3 mission.
With a decade of dedicated service to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Nidhi Sharma has once again stepped into the spotlight, just as she did during the Chandrayaan 2 mission.
Hailing from Tinsukia, Nidhi Sharma has deep roots in the community as the daughter-in-law of respected locals Deepak Dev and Shikha Dev. Her association with ISRO has been steadfast, marking a decade of contributions to the nation’s space exploration efforts.
Notably, Nidhi Sharma’s expertise was pivotal during the launch and execution of the Chandrayaan 2 mission, a moment of immense pride for both her family and the Tinsukia community. Now, she stands at the forefront once more, ready to guide Chandrayaan 3 on its celestial journey.
Women’s role in the success of India’s Space Programme
Indian women have undoubtedly played an epic part in the success of the Indian Space Programme.
Space research is an essential aspect of the space industry. Women have made significant contributions to India’s space research programs over the years. For example, Dr. Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel to space in 1992. She was a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Endeavour and conducted experiments on bone cells and weightlessness. Today, women continue to play a vital role in space research, conducting experiments and developing new technologies.
In India too, a large number of women are guiding the space programme of the country towards epic success.
