It is a monumental day for India as the Chandrayaan-3 mission, led by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), successfully touched down on the south pole of the Moon. This is the first time a mission has achieved a soft landing in this particular lunar region.
But here’s a fact that may not grab the headlines as much as it should: One of the key figures driving the success of this lunar mission is a woman.
Yes, you heard right! Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, often nicknamed India’s “Rocket Woman,” was a pivotal force in making this historic trip to the Moon a reality. So, as we enjoy this groundbreaking moment, let’s also take a minute to recognize the brilliance and dedication of Dr. Ritu and her team in accomplishing something truly extraordinary.
Meet Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava
Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, now a senior scientist at ISRO, has a backstory as remarkable as her current accomplishments. Originally from Lucknow, she first honed her academic skills at Lucknow University, where she completed her postgraduate degree in physics. But her path took an exciting turn just six months after starting her PhD program: ISRO called.
In 1997, at just 48 years old, Ritu joined the esteemed space organization as a scientist. She didn’t stop there; She also earned a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Her former PhD mentor, Professor Manisha Gupta, speaks highly of her. “Ritu focused her research on materials and she was an incredibly bright student,” Gupta told News18. “She even juggled her teaching responsibilities as a part-time instructor while she was doing her PhD, just like other scholars in our department. Seeing her contribute to such a monumental mission fills us all with immense pride.”
So as we celebrate the ISRO moon landing, let’s also celebrate the incredible women like Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava who make these feats of engineering and human ingenuity possible.
Thanks to all the people who support us 🙏🙏 #chandrayaan3 pic.twitter.com/FuTOrTdPi5
—Ritu Karidhal (@RituKaridhal) August 24, 2023
Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava is not just an accomplished scientist; she is also a pioneer in her field and has racked up several prestigious awards along the way. In 2017, she was honored with the Society for Aerospace Technologies and Industries of India (SIATI) Women Achievers in Aerospace Award. In addition to her list of accolades, she was also the recipient of the ISRO Young Scientist Award, presented to her by none other than former president APJ Abdul Kalam.
His passion for space is not a newly discovered interest; He has been a lifelong fascination. In an interview with iDiva, she revealed that as a child she used to collect newspaper articles about NASA and ISRO, an indication of the groundbreaking work that awaited her in her career.
With over 20 publications to her name in national and international journals, Dr. Karidhal’s influence extends far beyond India. She is an inspirational figure to people around the world, especially women looking to make their mark in STEM fields.
So if you ever need a role model or are simply fascinated by the possibilities of space exploration, look no further than Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava. She is a living testament to just how far passion and hard work can take you.
His key role in the space mission
Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava has been at the helm of some of India’s most innovative space missions. Although she is one of the few women in a leadership role on Chandrayaan-3, it is worth noting that a record 54 female scientists and engineers also played vital roles behind the scenes. On this mission, Dr. Karidhal is not just part of the team; she is the mission manager leading India’s ambitious trip to the moon.
But his list of achievements doesn’t end there. She also played a pivotal role in India’s Mars Mission, or Mangalyaan, as deputy director of operations. In this capacity, she was responsible for designing and implementing the spacecraft’s autonomous systems, ensuring mission success.
Before boarding the moon with Chandrayaan-3, she honed her skills as Chandrayaan-2’s mission director in 2019. Clearly, Dr. Karidhal isn’t just breaking barriers; she is setting a new standard of excellence in India’s space endeavors.
Chandrayaan-3 Information
India’s third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, has catapulted the nation into the ranks of major players in space exploration. Launched by the formidable Mark-III Launch Vehicle (LVM-3), India’s largest rocket, the spacecraft embarked on its 3,000 km journey to the Moon on July 14. The spacecraft consisted of two main components: the propulsion system and the lander. .
Chandrayaan-3 Mission: ‘India🇮🇳, I reached my destination and so did you!’: Chandrayaan-3
Chandrayaan-3 has successfully landed softly on the moon 🌖!
Congratulations India 🇮🇳!#Chandrayaan_3#Ch3
-ISRO (@isro) August 23, 2023
Fast-forward to August 23, Chandrayaan-3 made history by successfully soft-landing on the Moon’s south pole. With this incredible feat, India became the fourth country to land a robotic probe on Earth’s only natural satellite, and the first to land on its south pole.
ISRO chief S Somanath succinctly summed up the national sentiment, declaring, “India is over the moon.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi was equally effusive in his praise for the ISRO team, stating: “This is an unprecedented and momentous occasion. It represents the triumph of a new India and resonates in the hearts of 1.4 billion people. This success marks a milestone in this era of ‘Amrit Kaal.’”
The south pole of the Moon is “mysterious”
NASA describes the moon’s south pole as a place full of “mystery, science, and intrigue.” The landscape is far from simple; It is a complex terrain full of craters and deep trenches that make it a challenging area to explore.
Even the weather is extreme. In certain areas, temperatures can drop to a chilling -230 degrees Celsius, mainly because these areas have been in the dark for billions of years.
But what is really striking is the confirmed presence of water ice in some of the dark craters. This discovery has reignited enthusiasm for lunar exploration, prompting several nations to consider venturing into this uncharted territory.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn