Ritu Karidhal Srivastava is an eminent Indian scientist and aerospace engineer working in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). She was a Deputy Operations Director to India’s Mars orbital mission, Mangalyaan. She has been referred to as one of the many “Rocket Women” of India. Giving tribute to her excellence in Mangalayaan mission, a Bollywood film Mission Mangal was created where Indian actress Vidya Balan did her role.
In an exclusive interview with the News Mantra, she talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
1.Tell us a bit about Chandrayaan-3 success journey?
We had remained determined and gave our hundred percent always. It was evolving and ever improving process, right from Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2 and then the final big accomplishment in Chandrayaan-3. We had almost succeeded in Chandrayaan-2 as well but due to some minor faults it failed .
2. What lessons were learnt from Chandrayaan-2?
It is a very important question. We analysed data of Chandrayaan-2 completely and after analysis got insight of what mistakes we had done and corrected same during Chandrayaan-3 mission. We always had confidence and self belief in ourselves.
3.How easy or difficult it was to emerge from Chandrayaan-2 setback?
It is a highly important question. We had the challenge of not just Chandrayaan-2 setback to overcome but covid times too. We remained steadfast and put our all hardwork and knowledge into practice to ensure Chandrayaan-3 success.
4.What fields you dealt with during these prestigious missions?
I during both Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 was concerned with mission design and mission operations especially how to design the whole mission and how satellite operates in orbit specifically the mission operations part.
5.How hectic was the schedule during Chandrayaan missions?
During the missions both Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 we worked 24 into 7 without any break. It required lot of testing and the entire team worked with immense dedication and hardwork round the clock to ensure success.
6.What is your message to the youth of Kashmir who want to shine in space Sciences?
My message to the youth of Kashmir is that if we can achieve success why can’t you. Just stay focused, determined and especially the hardwork you will shine in the field of space science.
7.How unique is the landing of India on South pole axis of moon ?
It is an immense and unprecedented achievement. has become the first country to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon’s south pole and only the fourth country ever to land on the moon.
8.Lastly , how beneficial it would be for humanity ?
India landing on South pole axis of moon would help in diverse fields. From research in minerals to many other fields India landing on Moon would be beneficial for humanity from different aspects.
