Empowering Women in Space: Nigar Shaji Heads India’s Sun Mission

Sriharikota(Sep, 2): In exciting news, India has achieved another space milestone! After the successful Chandrayaan-3 moon landing, ISRO has now launched the Aditya-L1 mission, marking India’s first solar space observatory. This mission’s main goal is to study something called “solar winds,” which can sometimes cause disruptions on Earth, like the beautiful auroras we see in the sky. What’s interesting is that the Aditya-L1 spacecraft will travel a very long way—about 930,000 miles—over four months to a special spot in space.

#WATCH | Crowd chants 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' as ISRO's PSLV rocket carrying Aditya L-1 lifts off from Sriharikota pic.twitter.com/5uI6jZfLvJ

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2023

The Indian space agency, ISRO, is experiencing a remarkable rise of women taking the lead in its space missions. One such inspiring figure is Nigar Shaji, who serves as the Project Director for India’s ambitious Aditya-L1 mission, aimed at studying the Sun. Her journey to this significant role began in Shengottai, Tamil Nadu, where she excelled in her studies, securing the top position in her district during her 10th standard and achieving the first place in her school during her 12th standard. After obtaining her engineering degree from a college in Tirunelveli, Shaji pursued her M.Tech degree from the Birla Institute of Technology in Ranchi.

Her career path then led her to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where she contributed to various projects. Approximately eight years ago, she was entrusted with the crucial responsibility of leading the Aditya-L1 mission, India’s groundbreaking venture to study the Sun. Nigar Shaji’s journey exemplifies dedication and achievement, inspiring future generations, especially women, to aim for the stars in their pursuits.