In the majestic tapestry of space exploration, where dreams touch the stars and ambition knows no bounds, Chandrayaan 3 stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Beyond its celestial voyage, it’s the brilliance of the scientists that paints the backdrop of this lunar saga. Let’s journey into the constellation of these cosmic architects whose intellect, dedication, determination and relentless efforts culminated in the success of Chandrayaan 3.
Nearly 54 female engineers/scientists participated in Chandrayaan-3 mission. According to an ISRO official, they are associate and deputy project directors and project managers of various systems.
Scientists behind the success of Chandrayaan-3
1. S. Somanath
Sreedhara Somanath, the ISRO chief, led a historic achievement as India softly landed on the moon’s south pole, marking the country as the fourth to do so. He took charge in 2022, succeeding Dr K Sivan. He played a pivotal role in crafting the design of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3, or the Bahubali rocket, which launched Chandrayaan-3 into orbit. With expertise in launch vehicle system engineering, Somanath received ISRO awards, including the ‘Space Gold Medal.’ He represented India at global events like UN-COPOUS and IAF. Somanath hailed the Chandrayaan-3 success as the start of a “golden era.” He noted the south pole’s advantages for future lunar endeavors due to its scientific potential and suitability for human colonies and exploration.
2. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava
Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, fondly known as the ‘Rocket Woman of India,’ is a senior scientist at ISRO. Armed with a Physics degree from Lucknow University and a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from IISc, she left her PhD to join ISRO after cracking GATE. Notable for her early achievements, she fearlessly took on challenging roles at URSC. She led the Mars Orbiter Mission as Deputy Mission Director, followed by Chandrayaan-2 as Mission Director. Her latest feat includes leading Chandrayaan-3, showcasing her remarkable journey. Awards like ‘ISRO Young Scientist’ and ‘Women Achievers in Aerospace’ recognize her dedication, with over 20 research papers to her name.
3. P Veeramuthuvel
P Veeramuthuvel hailing from a modest background in Villupuram, emerged as a beacon of determination. He was the overall Project Director of Chandraayan-3. He is also the Space Infrastructure Programme Officer at ISRO. Ever since the craft was launched on July 14, 2023, Veeramuthuvel and his team have been keeping tracks of the craft at the control center at the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network Centre (ISTRAC) to continually monitor its health and activities during its three-weeks longs journey to the moon. Joining Hindustan Aeronautics, his aerospace zeal persisted, eventually landing him at ISRO as a project engineer, a testament to his unwavering passion and extraordinary journey.
4. Kalpana K
Kalpana Kalahasti, as deputy project director for Chandrayaan-3, masterminded the mission’s intricate details, driving its success amidst pandemic challenges. With prior contributions to lunar and Mars missions, she joined ISRO in 2000, starting as a radar engineer. Hailing from Thaduku, she pursued Aeronautical Engineering at IIT-Kharagpur and later Electronics and Communication at Madras University. Kalpana’s expertise expanded into satellite technology, propelling her to orchestrate satellite launches and develop imaging systems. Her dedication earned accolades, including the ISRO Team Excellence Award. Her pivotal role in Chandrayaan-3 exemplifies her enduring impact on India’s cosmic journey, inspiring future generations.
5. M Sankaran, Director
M. Sankaran, Director of ISRO’s Satellite Centre, played a pivotal role in Chandrayaan 3’s triumph. Tasked with overseeing spacecraft production, he orchestrated essential heat and cold tests for the mission’s success. Notably, Sankaran ensured the durability of the Vikram Lander and contributed to the construction of solar arrays, power systems, and communication setups for Chandrayaan-1, 2, and the Mars Orbiter Mission. With a Master’s Degree in Physics, his expertise merged with dedication, propelling Chandrayaan-3’s mission to explore the cosmos.
6. Dr V Narayanan
Dr. V Narayanan is Director of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. With expertise in rocket propulsion, his ISRO journey since 1984 was marked by exceptional contributions. An IIT Kharagpur alumnus, he excelled with an MTech in Cryogenic Engineering and later pursued a PhD in Aerospace Engineering. His accolades include IIT Kharagpur’s silver medal and Astronautical Society of India’s gold medal. Dr. Narayanan’s profound influence was felt in Chandrayaan 3’s success, as his leadership and propulsion prowess powered the mission’s celestial journey, further enriching India’s space prowess.
7. Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair
Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram, holds a pivotal role in the success of Chandrayaan 3. Armed with a BTech in Mechanical Engineering, an ME in Aerospace Engineering, and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, he’s a luminary of space exploration. His legacy of contributions dates back to 1985, notably shaping the maiden orbital re-entry experiment, Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE), from its inception to fruition in 2007. His multidisciplinary prowess and visionary leadership continue to steer Chandrayaan 3 towards celestial glory.
8. B N Ramakrishna
B.N. Ramakrishna is the 7th Director of ISTRAC. Spearheading ISTRAC’s coordination with ISRO’s deep space station and international earth stations, his expertise in spacecraft navigation and orbit determination was instrumental. With a Master’s Degree in Science, he orchestrated seamless communication and data exchange for the mission. His strategic direction ensured Chandrayaan-3’s success by establishing a robust network, crucial for its mission objectives. Ramakrishna’s leadership amplified the mission’s efficiency, solidifying his contribution to Chandrayaan-3’s triumphant journey into space exploration.
9. Muthayya Vanitha
Muthayya Vanitha, a trailblazer at ISRO, marked history as the first female project director and interplanetary mission leader. Hailing from Chennai, India, she is an accomplished electronics system engineer who has overseen satellite projects and left an indelible mark on India’s space missions. Her involvement in the successful Mangalyaan mission to Mars in 2013 further cemented her reputation as a trailblazer.
As Chandrayaan 3’s successful chapter unfolds, it’s important to recognize that this lunar marvel is a result of dedication, sleepless nights, and unyielding passion of countless scientists. Their hard work isn’t just ink on a scientific paper; it’s the stardust that fuels humanity’s quest to conquer the cosmos. Their unwavering spirit guides us to dream bigger, reach farther, and unveil the mysteries of the universe.
