Women scientists recall being at centre of action in MOM

It is such an overwhelming experience to ring in the New Year with the news of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) successfully completing 100 days in the Red planet’s orbit, said two proud women scientists part of the mission.

Of the 90 persons who were part of MOM, nearly 20 are women, who have made significant contribution to the project. These scientists say that they had to slog for long hours before the launch of the mission and went home only to sleep.

For Chaitra Rao, spacecraft operations manager, MOM, ISRO Satellites Centre (ISAC), it has been a dream come true.

“I come from Shivamogga and during one of my school trips, I had visited ISRO and had only wished to work there. I never thought one day I would be part of the MOM project. I'm truly blessed to be part of ISAC and more than thankful for my family who have been supportive throughout my career,” she told Deccan Herald on Sunday
“ISRO provides an excellent platform and environment for women to work. While working for MOM, I truly understood what team work does to a project,” she added.

Nandini Harinath, deputy operations director, MOM, ISAC, said that the hectic schedules and long hours away from family have completely paid off. She said that women scientists from MOM were the core team and they were actually monitoring the sequence of events and sending communications. For her, MOM has been a real enriching experience.

“Many women working in MOM mission had to work for long hours and stay away from family. I have two daughters who look up to me as a role model. They write to me in small pieces of paper that I am a star and I'm their role model.  Family support is a very big role in such achievements,” added Nandini.