BW MIW : Ritu Karidhal - The Rocket Woman of India

The landing of Chandrayaan-3 on 23 August 2023 has been etched as one of the proudest moments for Indian prowess in sciences. The entire country awaited India’s soft landing on the Moon, which created history and included India’s name among countries like the U.S., the former Soviet Union and China for this historic achievement. 

Ritu Karidhal, also known as the “Rocket Woman of India,” was the leader who drove the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Born in Lucknow, Karidhal has been deeply interested in science since childhood. As time passed, her interest grew so deep that she became an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist and aerospace engineer.  

Karidhal graduated from Lucknow University and has an ME in aerospace from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). UK’s Minister for Women and Equalities, Liz Truss, appointed her to a newly formed Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC). 

Karidhal led the development of Mangalyaan (India’s Mars orbiter mission), which will be remembered as one of the most significant accomplishments of ISRO. Chandrayaan-2 was an important project led by Karidhal, which could not reach its destination but gave high hopes to the entire country. However, her determination and promising efforts led to the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3. Ritu Karidhal is a living example of perseverance and true passion that can fulfil the dreams of millions.