Meet Ritu Karidhal: The ‘Rocket Woman’ From Lucknow Commanding Chandrayaan 3 Mission
Written by Sanjay Kumar
Ritu Karidhal
Indian scientist
- Born – 13 April 1975, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Occupation – Scientist
- Years active – 1997–present
- Works – Mars Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan-2
- Spouse – Avinash Srivastava
- Children – Aditya, Anisha
- Awards – ISRO Young Scientist Award
In a momentous event that holds significant scientific, geopolitical, and strategic implications, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the Chandrayaan 3 mission today from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre. If India succeeds, it will join the elite group of countries that have conquered Earth’s natural satellite.
Led by India’s esteemed rocket scientist, Ritu Karidhal Shrivastava, the Chandrayaan 3 mission is poised to undertake a groundbreaking lunar exploration journey. Ritu Karidhal, known as the “Rocket Woman of India,” serves as the mission director, overseeing the intricate operations and planning involved in this critical endeavor. Born and raised in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Ritu Karidhal has been an integral part of India’s space program since 1997, contributing significantly to previous missions such as Mangalyaan, the Mars Orbiter Mission.
Ritu Karidhal’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of aerospace propelled her to the forefront of this historic mission. She holds an MSc in Physics from Lucknow University and pursued further studies at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. Her contributions to the Indian space agency have earned her numerous accolades, including the Young Scientist Award, ISRO Team Award, ASI Team Award, and the Aerospace Woman Award presented by the Society of India Aerospace Technology and Industries.
Chandrayaan 3 is equipped with six payloads, comprising a lander, a rover, and an indigenous propulsion module, emphasizing India’s commitment to technological self-reliance. Notably, the mission foregoes the inclusion of an orbiter this time, focusing on the critical objective of reaching and exploring the Moon’s southern pole. With a budget of INR 615 crore, this lunar expedition is estimated to be completed within 50 days, marking a significant milestone for the Indian space program.
The Chandrayaan 3 mission holds tremendous promise for scientific discovery and exploration. By landing on the Moon’s southern pole, scientists aim to unveil new insights into the lunar terrain, geology, and potentially discover valuable resources that could shape future lunar exploration and habitation efforts.
As India’s ambitious mission embarks on its journey to conquer the Moon, the world awaits with bated breath, witnessing the prowess of ISRO and the visionary leadership of Ritu Karidhal Shrivastava, the Rocket Woman of India.
