The Women in the Control Room

Happy Women’s Day

The Women Behind Mangalyaan: A Historic and Cost-Effective Mission to Mars

On this Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the brilliant women scientists and engineers who played a pivotal role in India’s Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan—a feat of ingenuity, efficiency, and perseverance.

Launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)— in 2013, Mangalyaan made India the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt. Even more astonishingly, the entire mission cost just $74 million—far less than many Hollywood space movies and a fraction of what other space agencies spend on interplanetary missions. While developed nations poured billions into Mars exploration, India’s scientists achieved this milestone with remarkable resourcefulness and innovation.

In the now-iconic photo from the ISRO control room, we see women in saris, their faces lit with triumph—a powerful reminder that science knows no gender. These women were not just participants but leaders in navigation, mission design, and data analysis, proving that with talent and determination, barriers can be broken.

As we honor them today, let’s recognize the importance of women in STEM, their contributions to space exploration, and the power of smart, efficient innovation. Mangalyaan is more than just a mission—it’s a statement to the world.

#WomenInSTEM #Mangalyaan #WomensDay #ISRO

Happy Women’s Day

The mission has been honored in two movies. Here are the trailers