Women took us to the moon, and beyond!

On August 23, 2023, a momentous event unfolded as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved an extraordinary feat with the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander’s soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole. This momentous accomplishment marked India as the world’s pioneer in exploring the lunar southern region, an endeavour made possible by the remarkable women scientists who spearheaded the mission.

Notably, the journey to Chandrayaan-3’s success was not swift; it was the culmination of years of dedicated effort by a team of visionary scientists and an investment of Rupees 615 crores (approximately). This landmark success, which appeared seamless, was achieved through the collective brilliance and perseverance of these women scientists who continue to make India proud.

“There are about 54 female engineers/scientists who worked directly in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. They are associate and deputy project directors and project managers of various systems working at different centres,” a senior official of ISRO told a news portal preferring anonymity. Read on to know more about some path-breaking females.

Dr VR Lalithambika: Guiding Gaganyaan

Hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Dr Lalithambika is an accomplished expert in Advanced Launcher Technologies. Leading the ‘Gaganyaan’ mission, she aimed to send Indian astronauts into space, demonstrating her prowess in launch vehicle technology. Her accolades include the Astronautical Society of India Award of Excellence. She has been part of over a hundred missions at ISRO and her expertise was showcased during her tenure as Deputy Director at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), overseeing control, simulation, and guidance.

Nandini Harinath: Orchestrating Mars Orbiter Mission

With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Harinath’s journey began with ISRO and remained an enduring commitment. In her impressive 20-year tenure, she contributed to more than 14 missions. Notably, she served as Deputy Operations Director for the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), also known as MOM. Currently, she holds the esteemed positions of Project Manager and Mission Designer.

Vanitha Muthayya: Leading Chandrayaan-2 to Success

Vanitha Muthayya’s three-decade-long ISRO journey has been marked by invaluable contributions to satellite projects. As the Project Director of Chandrayaan-2, she left an indelible mark on the organisation. Her career trajectory commenced as a junior engineer engaged in hardware testing and development. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first woman Project Director at ISRO, leading an interplanetary mission. Recognised with the Best Woman Scientist award by the Astronomical Society of India in 2006, Muthayya’s achievements are nothing short of inspirational.

Anuradha TK: Pioneering Satellite Project Leadership

Anuradha TK, a retired scientist specialising in communication satellites, dedicated 34 years to ISRO before retiring. Known for her principled stance on gender equality within ISRO, she led the launches of three communication satellites – GSAT-9, GSAT-17, and GSAT-18. Her impactful service extended to the role of Project Director, leaving a lasting legacy.

Moumita Dutta: Architecting Success with Optical Expertise

Moumita Dutta, a physicist with expertise in Optical and IR instruments, sensors, and payloads, played an instrumental role in the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). Her fascination with Chandrayaan since childhood culminated in a career at ISRO. Currently, she is actively engaged in ‘Make in India’ initiatives and pioneering research in gas sensor miniaturisation. Acknowledged with the ISRO Team of Excellence Award post the success of Mangalyaan, her contributions are emblematic of innovation.

Ritu Karidhal: A Driving Force in Lunar Exploration

Since 1997, Ritu Karidhal has been a driving force at ISRO. Her pivotal role in crafting the autonomy system of Mangalyaan paved the way for its independent operations in space. As a testament to her eminence, she received the ISRO Young Scientist Award from former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in 2007. In 2021, Karidhal was appointed to the Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC), underscoring her commitment to inclusivity. She led the recent Chandrayaan-3 mission for the nation.

These stories of resilience, expertise, and pioneering spirit underscore the incredible contributions of India’s female scientists to space exploration. The Chandrayaan-3 mission’s triumph is a testament to their unwavering dedication, propelling India to new heights of scientific accomplishment.