Indian Women’s Participation in Space Programmes

Context

• India’s space programme, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has seen significant contributions from women scientists and engineers. Their involvement has been crucial in various landmark missions, reflecting the growing role of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in India. This article explores the participation of Indian women in space programmes, highlighting their achievements and the challenges they face.

Body

1. Historical Background
   1. Early Contributions: Women have been part of India’s space journey since its early days. Notable pioneers include Dr. Tessy Thomas, known as the ‘Missile Woman of India’, who played a key role in the Agni missile project.
   1. Milestones: The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013 was a significant milestone, with women scientists like Ritu Karidhal and Nandini Harinath playing pivotal roles1.
2. Key Missions and Women’s Roles
   1. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): Launched in 2013, this mission saw significant contributions from women scientists. Ritu Karidhal, known as the ‘Rocket Woman of India’, served as the Deputy Operations Director1.
   1. Chandrayaan-2: This mission was led by two women scientists, Ritu Karidhal and M. Vanitha, marking the first time women led an Indian space mission2.
   1. Chandrayaan-3: Over 100 women scientists and engineers were involved in this mission, which successfully landed near the moon’s south pole in 20233.
3. Challenges Faced by Women in Space Programmes
   1. Work-Life Balance: Many women scientists juggle demanding careers with family responsibilities. Support from family and flexible work policies are crucial for their success1.
   1. Gender Bias: Despite their achievements, women in STEM often face gender biases and stereotypes. Initiatives like the Women in Space Leadership Programme aim to address these issues4.
4. Government and Institutional Support
   1. Policies and Initiatives: The Indian government and ISRO have implemented various policies to encourage women’s participation in space programmes. These include mentorship programmes, scholarships, and leadership training4.
   1. Recognition and Awards: Women scientists are increasingly being recognized for their contributions. For instance, the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 was named ‘Shiv Shakti’ to honor the women involved in the mission3.
5. Future Prospects
   1. Increasing Participation: With ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in STEM, the participation of women in India’s space programmes is expected to grow. Upcoming missions like the Mars landing mission and the Aditya-L1 mission will likely see significant contributions from women3.
   1. Inspiring the Next Generation: The success of women in space programmes serves as an inspiration for young girls to pursue careers in STEM. Educational outreach and role models play a crucial role in this regard3.

Examples

• Ritu Karidhal: Known as the ‘Rocket Woman of India’, she has been part of several key missions, including Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan-21.
• M. Vanitha: She was the project director for Chandrayaan-2, showcasing leadership in a high-stakes mission2.
• Kalpana Kalahasti: Deputy project director for Chandrayaan-3, she played a significant role in the mission’s success3.

Indian women’s participation in space programmes is a testament to their capabilities and determination. With continued support and recognition, their contributions will only grow, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in space exploration.