India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has seen remarkable contributions from women in the field of science and technology. While women account for 43% of STEM graduates in India, their representation in scientific research roles remains low, standing at just 14%. However, with growing enrolment in higher education, this number is expected to rise, and women scientists are becoming leaders in the space field. On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we highlight some of the prominent women scientists in ISRO who have been instrumental in India’s space missions.
Kalpana Kalahasti
Kalpana Kalahasti, an aerospace engineer, has been an essential part of ISRO’s major space projects since 2003. She played a significant role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, serving as the deputy project director. Kalpana was also involved in ISRO’s previous missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and Chandrayaan-2, where she contributed to the design of propulsion systems and satellite positioning systems. Her efforts in developing and optimizing lunar lander systems for Chandrayaan-3 were pivotal in the success of the mission.
Ritu Karidhal
Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, popularly known as the “Rocket Woman of India,” is one of ISRO’s leading aerospace engineers. She has been involved in many of India’s significant space missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Mangalyaan, and Chandrayaan-3. As the lead scientist behind Chandrayaan-3, Ritu played an integral role in the success of the mission. Her leadership and dedication have made her a trailblazer for women in aerospace engineering, inspiring many young girls to pursue careers in space science.
