In a historic achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a significant milestone with the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. Behind this remarkable feat stood a group of talented and determined women scientists who played a pivotal role in making India's dream of landing on the moon a reality. The contributions of these extraordinary women, driven by their passion and dedication, exemplify the empowering "ISRO culture" that enables women to shine in the field of space exploration.

The Prime Minister's Encouragement:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently interacted with a group of 120 women scientists from ISRO who had worked tirelessly on the Chandrayaan-3 project. During the interaction, he commended the invaluable role played by these scientists, highlighting the significance of 'Nari Shakti' (women power) in propelling India's space exploration endeavors forward. The Prime Minister's presence and recognition further emphasized the importance of gender equality and the recognition of women's contributions in scientific achievements.

Key Women Scientists:

Among the exceptional women scientists who made significant contributions to the Chandrayaan-3 mission is V Brinda, the director of the Directorate of Safety, Reliability, and Quality at ISRO HQ. Brinda, who also played a crucial role in the Chandrayaan-2 mission, led the mission critical software design team for launch vehicle and spacecraft ground support. For Chandrayaan-3, she spearheaded the Integrated Product Assurance Board, conducting comprehensive reviews to ensure the spacecraft's mission design, control, guidance, and failure mode analysis met the highest standards.

Kalpana, the associate project director for Chandrayaan-3, expressed her joy at the mission's success. She highlighted the team's meticulous efforts, starting from pre-configuration to executing special tests and simulations flawlessly. Kalpana's role exemplifies the dedication and perseverance exhibited by the women scientists at ISRO.

Notable Achievements:

Two prominent women scientists, M Vanitha and Ritu Karidhal, etched their names in history as the first women to lead a space mission in India during the Chandrayaan-2 project. Although the lander of Chandrayaan-2 unfortunately crashed on the moon's surface, the mission was still hailed as a success due to the invaluable data it transmitted. The insights gained from Chandrayaan-2 formed the foundation for the subsequent triumph of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Vanitha, an accomplished electronics and communication systems engineer, oversaw satellite projects and played a crucial role in the development of hardware for Chandrayaan. Ritu, often referred to as the 'rocket lady,' has an impressive track record and previously served as the deputy operations director for India's Mars Orbiter Mission. Both Vanitha and Ritu were actively involved in the project reviews for Chandrayaan-3, ensuring its success.

The ISRO Culture:

The success of these women scientists and their contributions to the Chandrayaan missions can be attributed, in part, to the nurturing environment provided by the 'ISRO culture.' The emerging women scientists spoke highly of this culture, which fosters an enabling and conducive atmosphere for women to make significant contributions and take on leadership roles. The representation of women in higher management positions at ISRO is steadily increasing, thanks to the support and encouragement from leaders like ISRO Chairman S Somnath.