Today, women cannot be restrained or prevented from doing anything they choose. They have emerged from their shells, spread their wings, and flown far in the sky, winning medals, receiving recognition, and triumphing across international boundaries, bringing honor to India and encouraging so many of us that there is no barrier we cannot scale. Women can shine brightly in any field they choose to enter with their feet.
At the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, Nandini Harinath works as a rocket scientist. She was a team member of Maangalyaan, the Mars Orbiter Mission. The mission planning, analysis, and operations—Outline of important components is a research paper that she co-authored. Nandini’s first employment application was to ISRO, where she has worked for more than 20 years.
Role as a Science Communicator
Beyond her work at ISRO, Nandini is passionate about inspiring the younger generation, especially girls, to take up careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She frequently interacts with students, delivers talks, and shares her journey to motivate them.
Her message is simple: curiosity is the first step toward innovation. She believes that no dream is too big, and no field is off-limits for women. By sharing her story, she is planting seeds of ambition in countless young minds across India.
Career at ISRO: A Journey Among the Stars
Nandini Harinath began her career at ISRO in the mid-1990s. Over the years, she has been a part of more than 14 missions, contributing to India’s reputation as a rising power in space exploration.
Key Contributions
- Satellite Missions – She worked on several satellite programs, contributing to communication, weather monitoring, and remote sensing projects.
- Launch Vehicles – Her expertise extended to vehicle operations, where precision and accuracy were critical for successful launches.
- Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) – The turning point in her career came when she became part of the team that worked on India’s first interplanetary mission.
Early Life and Childhood Inspirations
Nandini Harinath was born and raised in Bengaluru, the hub of India’s space research and technology. Growing up in a middle-class household, she was surrounded by a culture that valued knowledge, discipline, and curiosity. Her parents, both science enthusiasts, encouraged her inquisitiveness. Her mother was a school teacher who constantly motivated her to think beyond textbooks, while her father nurtured her interest in mathematics and science.
Like many children of the 1970s and 80s, Nandini’s early exposure to space came through television. She has often shared that one of the biggest influences in her childhood was the iconic science fiction series Star Trek. The futuristic depiction of space travel, exploration of new worlds, and the sheer possibility of human imagination left a deep impression on her. Unlike most children who only dreamed about outer space, Nandini decided she wanted to make it her reality.
Professional Career
After watching the well-known Star Trek television series, Nandini initially found inspiration in outer space. In addition to being the project manager and mission designer for the Mars Orbiter Mission, she has 20 years of experience working on 14 missions at ISRO.
She continues by saying that she is proud to see Mangalyaan’s image on the Rs. 2000 banknote. Nandani acknowledges that the task was difficult, but everyone contributed to its achievement. According to her, the scientists first put in 10 hours a day, but as the mission’s launch date approached, they increased their workday to 12 to 14 hours. According to Nandini, scientists used to work on their toes during launch and take a few hours off after 20 to 22 hours of work.
She experienced one of her proudest experiences while working on the Mars Orbiter Mission, or Mangalyaan. Imagine the excitement of helping a mission that will put India on the interplanetary map. In order to properly manoeuvre a spaceship through the complex dance of space and orbit the Red Planet, Nandini’s knowledge and commitment were crucial. It was a huge accomplishment that made the whole country beam with pride.
Chandrayaan Mission
In addition, Nandini Harinath participated in the Chandrayaan lunar exploration missions for India. We now know more about the Moon’s surface and its geological features thanks to these missions.
However, Nandini’s journey continued on. She kept shining as a compass in India’s space exploration story. Nandini’s narrative is one of unrelenting pursuit, from the Chandrayaan missions that revealed the mysteries of the Moon to her continued contributions that push the limits of human understanding. She overcame each obstacle by using it as a stepping stone to reach greater heights.
Mangalyaan: India’s Leap to Mars
The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), popularly known as Mangalyaan, was launched in November 2013. It was a historic mission because India became the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first in the world to do so in its maiden attempt.
Nandini played a crucial role in this project as a Deputy Operations Director. Her job was not only technically challenging but also emotionally demanding. The mission was executed with a fraction of the budget compared to NASA’s Mars missions, which meant every calculation, every maneuver, and every strategy had to be flawless.
When the orbiter successfully entered Mars’ orbit on September 24, 2014, it was a proud moment for the entire nation. For Nandini, it was the culmination of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and relentless dedication. She often describes it as the “most exhilarating moment” of her career.
Learnings from Nandini Harinath
Despite the fact that there are much more men than women at ISRO, Nandini says she is proud to work for a company that does not practise gender discrimination. This is seen in the large number of female scientists working on the Mangalyaan expedition. She claims that because she is treated equally, being a woman in the field has never made her feel any different. The statement made by Nandini is “I would like to be known as a scientist, not a woman scientist.”
Nothing, in Nandini’s opinion, prevents women from entering the field. She asserts, “It’s a myth that women aren’t interested in maths and science.” For all the ladies out there with high dreams, she serves as an inspiration. She advises them “All of you should have a dream. But make sure you have a passion to drive that dream. It’s not going to be easy. You won’t always get success wherever you go. You have to be persistent. It may sound cliche, but that’s all it is.”
Recognition and Awards
Nandini Harinath’s contributions have been widely recognized. While ISRO scientists often maintain a low profile, her role in Mangalyaan brought her to the spotlight. She has been featured in global platforms, including documentaries like Invisible Women, which highlighted the contribution of women in science and technology.
Her achievements have also been celebrated in India, where she is often invited to educational forums, women’s conferences, and science panels to share her experiences.
Impact on India’s Space Story
India’s space achievements are not just scientific milestones; they are stories of resilience, affordability, and innovation. Scientists like Nandini Harinath have shown that India can achieve global recognition in space research while staying rooted in its values of simplicity and ingenuity.
Her journey also represents the growing contribution of women in shaping India’s technological future. With more young women entering ISRO and other scientific organizations, Nandini’s story acts as both a role model and a roadmap.
Final Thoughts
The inspirational journey of Nandini Harinath is a shining example of what passion, perseverance, and courage can achieve. From watching Star Trek as a child to leading one of the most ambitious space missions in India’s history, her story is both empowering and humbling.
In her rise, we see the story of countless women who dared to dream, the story of India’s scientific resilience, and the story of a nation that believes the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
Young people, especially women, who want to work in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and maths can find inspiration from Nandini’s journey. Her experience serves as a reminder of the value of tenacity, passion, and challenging gender norms in professions that have historically been dominated by men. Her adventure serves as a reminder that not even the vastness of space can quench the human spirit’s insatiable urge to discover, succeed, and strive for greatness.
Her legacy is not just about reaching Mars; it’s about inspiring future generations to reach for their own stars.
FAQs about Nandini Harinath
Who is Nandini Harinath?
Nandini Harinath is a senior scientist at ISRO who played a key role in India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). She has been with ISRO for more than two decades and has worked on over 14 missions.
What inspired Nandini Harinath to become a scientist?
She was inspired by childhood experiences, including her love for the science fiction series Star Trek, and her family’s encouragement in pursuing science and mathematics.
What was Nandini Harinath’s role in Mangalyaan?
She served as Deputy Operations Director, contributing to mission planning, operations, and execution of India’s first interplanetary mission to Mars.
What message does Nandini Harinath give to students?
She encourages young people, especially girls, to stay curious, pursue STEM careers, and believe that no dream is too far to reach.
What challenges did she face in her career?
Nandini had to overcome societal stereotypes about women in science, manage the balance between career and family, and work under the high-pressure environment of space missions.
