Ritu Karidhal: From Lucknow To The Moon, India’s Rocket Woman Leads Chandrayaan 3 Mission
By Ritu Karidhal, the senior scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is once again at the forefront of space exploration as she leads the mission for Chandrayaan 3.
Renowned as the ‘Rocket Woman of India’, Karidhal has played pivotal roles in several notable space missions, including her position as the mission director of Chandrayaan 2 and deputy operations director of Mangalyaan.
Born in the city of Lucknow, Karidhal’s journey into the realm of space began with her pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Lucknow University.
Fueled by her passion for aerospace engineering, she went on to achieve a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Dr Ritu’s achievements have been honored with ‘ISRO Young Scientist Award’ by former President APJ Abdul Kalam.
Karidhal’s career at ISRO has been nothing short but remarkable. Her technical prowess and leadership skills led her to assume the role of mission director for Chandrayaan 2, India’s second lunar exploration mission.
Under her guidance, the mission aimed to achieve the ambitious goal of landing a rover on the Moon’s surface. Although encountering a setback during the final stages of the landing, the mission itself was a significant milestone for India’s space program.
Prior to Chandrayaan 2, Karidhal made noteworthy contributions as the deputy operations director of Mangalyaan, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission. Karidhal’s expertise and dedication played a vital role in ensuring the mission’s success.
Her determination and trailblazing work have inspired countless young minds, especially women, to pursue careers in science and engineering.
As Karidhal takes the reins of Chandrayaan 3, the expectations are high, but her track record speaks for itself. With her visionary leadership and technical expertise, she is well-equipped to lead India’s lunar exploration efforts.
As the Rocket Woman of India, she continues to inspire generations and pave the way for India’s future endeavors in space exploration.
