6 women ISRO scientists to know about
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is one of the most successful space agencies in the world. Like in numerous other professional fields, women are underrepresented in this industry as well. However, there have been several remarkable women scientists who made substantial contributions to the success of various missions of the Indian space agency. Let's explore six of such noteworthy women ISRO scientists.
VR Lalithambika
VR Lalithambika, a control systems engineer, was one of the most senior scientists working with the Indian space agency. Lalithambika, who specialized in Advanced Launcher Technologies, played a key role in building the country's rocket program; she worked with ISRO for over 30 years. She also served as the director of Gaganyaan to lead India's human space flight program earlier.
Muthayya Vanitha and Ritu Karidhal
Muthayya Vanitha and Ritu Karidhal headed India's Chandrayaan-2 mission as its project director and mission director, respectively. Notably, Vanitha was the first female project director in ISRO. She was the deputy project director for data systems for Cartosat-1, Oceansat-2, and Megha-Tropiques satellites. Karidhal, nicknamed the "Rocket Woman" of India, was the deputy operations director of the Mangalyaan program and also led the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
TK Anuradha
Now retired, TK Anuradha was reportedly the senior-most woman ISRO scientist who worked with the space agency for over 35 years. She was the first woman to become a satellite project director at the organization. She worked on numerous Indian space programs and launches of satellites, including GSAT-12 and GSAT-10. She also served as the Geosat program director at the ISRO Satellite Center.
Nandini Harinath
Nandini Harinath is another famous ISRO scientist. She previously worked as a rocket scientist at the ISRO Satellite Center in Bengaluru. Notably, she was the project manager (mission design) and deputy operations director of India's Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan. Reportedly, Nandini has served on nearly 15 missions of the Indian space agency over two decades.
N Valarmathi
N Valarmathi is another senior woman scientist who has worked with ISRO for over three decades. She was the project director of India's first indigenously-developed Radar Imaging Satellite, RISAT-1. After Anuradha, she was the second woman scientist of ISRO to lead such a prestigious project. She was also involved in various missions like INSAT-2A, IRS-1C, IRS-1D, and Technology Experiment Satellite (TES), among others.
