The Women Achievers of Indian Aerospace

Women are an integral part of society, be it in household chores or be it in a space mission in a country, women seem to slowly penetrate the glass ceiling and reach space. This wasn’t the case a decade ago, from the time of no computers to the time of AI and Virtual Reality, Science & Technology have come a long way. There is a lot of contribution from women in this field, but they all remain unrecognized and obscure. Women have reached great heights and to be a part of this change was very unprecedented.

Nowadays the scenario of our society has changed, women are slowly becoming empowered and their accomplishments are turning historic. There are a lot of women across the globe who have raced against all odds like gender bias, gender inequality, and other such social stigmas, and have proved to be the initiators in the process of overcoming such odds. A vast sector of women is slowly coming forefront and fulfilling the persistent gap between the beliefs of society and the magic of their abilities, power, and strength.

A few such Indian women are recognized who in their respective careers have proved every mettle to bring significant contributions to the field of Science and Technology 

Dr. Tessy Thomas
(Project Director of Agni-IV missile DRDO)

Dr. Tessy Thomas is better known as the “Missile Woman of India”. She is a mechanical engineer, born in Kerala, India who pursued her engineering in Pune, India. She holds the prestigious achievement of being the first woman to lead any missile project in India.

The journey of science is challenging, but she believed that there is no matter of gender when it comes to talent and innovation. One just needs to be competent and must have the desired knowledge as to what one wants to achieve. Then it's only motivation and situational awareness which can empower anybody. She was a part of Agni-II missile project and various other missile projects. In 2009, she was the project head of Agni-IV missile. Mrs. Thomas has been awarded many awards and honours including the Padma Shri.  She has been successful in breaking many stereotypes as well as inspiring, and motivating young aspiring women scientists to pursue a career in science and technology.

She believes that if a person has the desire and knowledge, then sky is definitely the limit. The scientist believes that one must not behold themselves if failure happens ,instead one should take lessons from them and move forward in life.

Anuradha T K
(Project Director at ISRO)

Anuradha T K has worked as a Project Director at ISRO for the launch of two massive and advanced communication satellites. And she is one of the most senior women scientists working at ISRO today. She was also a part of various other significant projects and has contributed a lot to the Indian Space Communication System and Satellites. She has been a leading figure in several Indian space programs.

Born in Bengaluru, she is an electronics engineer and an alumnus of UVCE, Bengaluru. Anuradha was interested in science and has always wanted to join the space program. Mrs. Anuradha always motivates young women and the aspiring scientists to pursue their interests in the world of science and development. She wants every girl child to let their inner dream be explored and achieve every vision of theirs.  

These women have proved to be pioneers in the Indian Space and Research field and have successfully proved that nothing can stop one from doing what one envisions. They were successful in breaking the stereotypes of society and are an absolute inspiration for all the women out there who want to pursue a career not just in engineering, science, and technology but anything they dream of. 

A role model isn’t somebody who tells you what to do, but who does it and shows you how it’s done! 

By,

Tulip Roy

Rishith P

Ganavi R

M Ranjitha