Women In Space Sciences

Nandini Hairath, who played a pivotal role as the Deputy Operations Director in India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), the nation's maiden interplanetary endeavor, reflects on the attention that women scientists have garnered. She says, "Many times I wonder about all the attention that we women scientists are getting... my male colleagues who work equally hard also deserve it, right? But sometimes I also feel that women need that kind of example so that they know it [success in science] is possible and they should not give up."

The MOM mission was also the first time ISRO (the Indian Space Research Organization) went public on social media with announcements about the launch and the features of the satellite. This was done to inspire the young generation of engineers who spend a significant amount of time on social media. The women who held 27% of the key executive positions in MOM are undoubtedly a source of inspiration and serve as role models for young women engineers and scientists. Anuradha TK, Geostat Program Director at ISRO, said, "Once girls see that there are lots of women in the space program, they also get motivated; they think if she can do it, so can they."

Familiar to many is 'The Rocket Man of India,' our esteemed former president, APJ Abdul Kalam. However, the limelight has also embraced 'The Rocket Woman of India,’ Ritu Karidhal, affectionately nicknamed as such, who held the significant role of deputy operations director for the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). Notably, she also headed the Chandrayaan-3 mission, an emblem of India's relentless pursuit of lunar space exploration.

Recognizing the remarkable impact of women like Ritu Karidhal, it becomes evident that diversifying STEM fields with women is a necessity. Diversity fosters innovation. Different perspectives, experiences, and approaches lead to richer ideas. In fields driven by problem-solving, a variety of viewpoints can yield breakthroughs that homogeneity might miss. Women hold immense potential in STEM, and recognizing this potential is about shaping a better future for humanity.

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Bibliography:

The women scientists who took India into space - BBC News 

6 women ISRO scientists to know about