On July 14th, at 2:35 PM IST, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved yet another milestone by successfully launching Chandrayaan-3, a mission dedicated to exploring the moon’s mysteries. Spearheading this endeavor is the eminent Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, a distinguished senior scientist at ISRO and a beacon of inspiration for women in space science.
Chandrayaan-3’s ambitious mission to explore the moon’s South pole marks India’s resolute stride towards becoming the fourth country to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of the United States, Russia, and China. Guiding this pioneering journey is Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, renowned as the “rocket woman” of India.
Hailing from Lucknow, India, her remarkable journey began from pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at Lucknow University to earning her ME in Aerospace Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Dr. Srivastava’s association with ISRO dates back to 1997, when she began her journey as a scientist. Her trajectory within the organization has been marked by remarkable accomplishments, exemplified by her roles as the Mission Director of Chandrayaan-2 and the Deputy Operations Director of Mangalyaan.
With a collection of ISRO and NASA paper cuttings from her childhood, Dr. Srivastava’s fascination with space was apparent from an early age. Her vision and determination led her to pursue a unique path in space science.
In addition to her pivotal contributions to space exploration, Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava has been recognized with the prestigious ‘ISRO Young Scientist Award’ by former President APJ Abdul Kalam, the ‘ISRO Team Award for MOM (2015)’, the ‘ASI Team Award’, and the ‘Women Achievers in Aerospace (2017)’ by the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies & Industries (SIATI).
Dr. Srivastava’s journey also highlights the importance of fostering an environment encouraging women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her achievements not only pave the way for future generations of women in science but also emphasize diversity’s crucial role in driving innovation and progress.
There are 54 female engineers and scientists who have been instrumental in the Chandrayaan-3 mission and stand along with Dr. Srivastava as true trailblazers, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in the field of space science. Their accomplishments inspire aspiring women in STEM fields, emphasizing that skill, expertise, and determination know no gender boundaries.
Chandrayaan-3 propels India’s lunar aspirations and a new era of inclusivity and recognition for women in space exploration.