From sketching rocket blueprints to decoding nuclear data, India’s women scientists have shaped space missions. Their stories of grit and brilliance inspire a new generation.
On June 4, 2025, a spotlight shines on the women who propelled India’s top science missions like Chandrayaan and Agni, often working in the shadows. At a time when societal norms limited girls, these pioneers sketched rocket blueprints, decoded nuclear data, and wrote defense protocols. Ritu Karidhal, a key figure in ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), served as Deputy Operations Director, earning the ISRO Young Scientist Award in 2007. Her childhood fascination with the moon’s phases fueled her career, making her a role model for aspiring scientists.
Women like Anuradha TK, a veteran ISRO scientist, defy stereotypes that science isn’t for girls. Anuradha, who disagrees with the notion that women and science don’t gel, emphasizes the logical appeal of STEM fields. ISRO’s history includes women in pivotal roles, from administrative staff celebrating Mangalyaan’s success to scientists in the control room. Their contributions have been vital, with women constituting a significant portion of ISRO’s workforce during landmark missions.
These “rocket women” laid the foundation for India’s scientific glory, often without recognition. As the nation celebrates these achievements, their legacy inspires programs like the Women in Space and Allied Sciences Leadership Program, encouraging young girls to aim for the stars as of June 5, 2025.
