Not just rocket boys: Meet the rocket women of India's top science missions
In a black-and-white photograph tucked away in an old ISRO archive, a group of women in crisp cotton saris sit quietly around a launch control console. There are no headlines naming them, no public applause ringing in their ears, just focused eyes and steady hands preparing to send a piece of India into space.Long before terms like "STEM" became part of school curricula or diversity panels discussed the gender gap in science, these women were already building the nation, equation by equation, line of code by line of code, silently and brilliantly. At a time when most girls were told to dream small, they were sketching blueprints for rockets, decoding nuclear data, and writing defence protocols.advertisementYet, their stories never made the front pages.
Today, when we celebrate missions like Chandrayaan or Agni with well-deserved national pride, it's worth pausing to remember the women who built the launchpads sometimes quite literally, for India's scientific glory. This is a journey into their forgotten stories. Of those who made sure India not only dreamt big, but soared.ISRO: PIONEERING WOMEN IN SPACE EXPLORATIONThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has seen significant contributions from women scientists across various missions. Notably, over 100 women played pivotal roles in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, contributing to its conceptualisation, design, realization, testing, and execution .
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DRDO –WOMEN IN DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATIONThe Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recognized the significant contributions of its women scientists. In 2023, a compendium titled 'Main Aparajita' was released, featuring 33 technical and 16 non-technical articles authored by women scientists, highlighting their roles in various critical projects .
BARC: WOMEN IN NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND RESEARCHAt the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), women scientists have made significant strides in nuclear research and related fields. Dr. Sharmistha Dutta Choudhury, affiliated with BARC's Radiation Protection and Chemical Division, was recognized with the SERB Women Excellence Award for her contributions to the field . Additionally, BARC has been proactive in promoting gender balance in advanced scientific research, addressing the gender imbalance and calling for more inclusivity in the field.
While the contributions of these women are commendable, there's a pressing need to document and celebrate their achievements comprehensively. Institutions like ISRO, DRDO, and BARC have initiated steps towards inclusivity, but continued efforts are essential to ensure that the stories of these trailblazing women inspire future generations.These women have made remarkable contributions to India's scientific and technological advancements, often without widespread recognition. Their dedication and achievements continue to inspire future generations in the fields of space, defense, and nuclear research.
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