Ritu Karidhal

Ritu Karidhal, often celebrated as the “Rocket Woman of India," is a distinguished Indian aerospace engineer known for her pivotal role in India’s interplanetary missions. Her expertise in space technology and her leadership in mission operations have made her a prominent figure and a highly sought-after speaker in the field of space exploration.

Karidhal’s most significant contribution was as the Deputy Operations Director for the Mangalyaan mission, also known as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), launched in 2013. This mission, a first-of-its-kind endeavor for India, successfully placed a satellite in Mars’ orbit, making India the first country to do so in its maiden attempt. Her role in the mission was crucial, involving intricate planning and execution of the satellite’s trajectory and maneuvers.

Following the success of Mangalyaan, Karidhal served as the Mission Director for Chandrayaan-2 in 2019, India’s second lunar exploration mission. Under her leadership, the mission achieved significant milestones, despite the unplanned touchdown of the Vikram lander. The orbiter continues to contribute valuable data about the Moon.

Apart from these landmark missions, Karidhal’s career at ISRO encompasses work on several other satellite projects, where her skills in spacecraft operations and mission planning have been invaluable. Her efforts have not only furthered India’s capabilities in space technology but also inspired countless young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

In recognition of her contributions, Karidhal has received numerous awards, including the ISRO Young Scientist Award in 2007 from former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.