The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission, with the goal of exploring the South pole of the moon. If the mission is successful, India will become the fourth country, after the US, Russia, and China, to land on the moon’s surface. Leading this significant mission is Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, a renowned scientist and a key figure at ISRO.
The “rocket woman” of India, Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, is from Lucknow. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Lucknow University and later went on to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to pursue a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering.
She joined ISRO in 1997 and has since contributed significantly to a number of space missions, including Chandrayaan-2, where she was the mission director, and Mangalyaan, where she was the deputy operations director.
Dr. Srivastava developed an early interest in space exploration. She possessed a collection of newspaper clippings about NASA and ISRO, which piqued her interest and motivated her to choose a distinctive professional path. She has published over 20 papers in national and international publications during the course of her career, demonstrating her knowledge of and commitment to the topic of space research.
Recognised for her exceptional contributions, Dr. Srivastava has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious “ISRO Young Scientist Award” presented by former President APJ Abdul Kalam. She has also been honoured with the “ISRO Team Award for MOM (2015)” and the “ASI Team Award,” among others. Her achievements have earned her the title of “Women Achievers in Aerospace (2017)” by the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies & Industries (SIATI).
Chandrayaan-3’s launch represents yet another important turning point in India’s space research efforts. The leadership and knowledge of Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava are essential to the accomplishment of this aim. Dr. Srivastava’s outstanding accomplishments serve as motivation for aspiring scientists and proof of India’s scientific prowess as the nation’s space agency continues to push limits and increase its footprint in the cosmos.
With Dr. Srivastava at the helm, India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission represents a remarkable leap forward in the nation’s pursuit of lunar exploration and scientific discovery. The world eagerly awaits the outcomes of this ambitious endeavour, which will further propel India’s presence in the global space exploration landscape.