Indian women in science frequently challenge societal norms, proving that any academic realm is gender-neutral. This piece celebrates these torchbearers in the realm of space science
Kalpana K, Deputy Project Director
Deputy Project Director at ISRO from Bengaluru. An esteemed IIT Kharagpur alumna who embarked on her ISRO journey in 2003. Renowned for her significant contributions to the Chandrayaan-3, Chandrayaan-2, and the Mars Orbiter Mission. She is celebrated for her expertise in spacecraft design and optimization.
Vanitha Muthayya
Vanitha Muthayya, starting as a junior engineer at ISRO, became its first female Project Director with Chandrayaan-2. She played key roles in Cartosat-1, Oceansat-2, Megha-Tropiques, and Mangalyaan missions. In 2006, she earned the Best Woman Scientist Award from the Astronomical Society of India.
VR Lalithambika
Lalithambika, at the helm of the Gaganyaan project, has contributed to over 100 ISRO missions. Hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, she previously held the position of deputy director at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center. Her remarkable work earned her the Award of Excellence in Launch Vehicle Technology from the Astronautical Society of India.
Minal Sampath
As a systems engineer, Sampath dedicated herself, often laboring for 18 hours straight, to India’s Mars mission. The commitment was evident as she and her team refrained from taking holidays for over two years.
Anuradha TK
Enchanted by Neil Armstrong’s lunar walk, Anuradha’s childhood dream of becoming a space scientist manifested into her becoming the highest-ranking female officer at ISRO.
Ritu Karidhal
Balancing motherhood and her passion, Ritu’s interest in the cosmos led her to be the Deputy Operations Director for the Mars Orbiter Mission. Moumita Dutta: Inspired by India’s lunar probe, Chandrayaan 1, Dutta’s career trajectory saw her contribute significantly to the Mars Orbiter Mission. Presently, she pioneers
advancements in optical sciences.
Nandini Harinath
At ISRO for nearly two decades, Nandini’s fascination with space, ignited by Star Trek, led her to significant roles in the Mars Orbiter Mission.
Kriti Faujdar
A vigilant monitor of satellites and various missions, Kriti appreciates ISRO’s supportive environment but hopes for more female representation.
N Valarmathi
Spearheading the RISAT-1 project, Valarmathi, an Abdul Kalam Award recipient, has significantly contributed to several ISRO missions over decades.
Tessy Thomas
Tessy isn’t from ISRO but DRDO. As the brain behind the Agni-IV missile project, she earned the title ‘Missile Woman’ of India.
