Kalpana Kalahasti ISRO Scientist Chandrayaan 3

The most awaited day for the Indians was the launch of Chandrayaan 3, in lunar orbit. The space program is such an event that got us one step closer to the cosmic endeavors of our nation. 

Behind the great success lies the thousands of people’s support but there stayed the heart of a dedicated team who were 5 in number. Kalpana Kalhasri an ISRO scientist is the associate project director of the mission Chandrayaan 3. 

The slightest of the project details was taken care of by Kalpana. Her undivided attention kept the mission in its continuity regardless of the challenges posed during the pandemic situation. Her contributions in the past invoices her experience in Mangalyaan and the second lunar mission. 

About Kalpana 

Being a studious kid, she pursued her B.Tech studies in ECE in Chennai at the University of Madras. Having dreamt of working in ISRO, she actually fulfilled and joined the organization by clearing the selection process in 2000. 

From there took her journey to be a Radar Engineer at SHAR. She serves as an inspiration to all the other women out there who dream of being a scientist and wants to make their mark in the science and technology domain. 

She comes from Thaduku, in Chittoor district. But brought up in Bangalore, has graduated from aeronautical engineering in IIT Kharagpur. 

Achievements in her domain

Being an expert in the domain, her contributions to the space mission are remarkable and got her recognition and awards, including the team excellence award in ISRO in 2019.

She holds a strong proficiency in satellite technology. With a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, it helped her in orchestrating all the launches of remote sensing satellites and many other communications.

From handling the imaging devices that capture high-resolution quality images of the surface of the Earth to placement of the satellites and enhancing the propulsion system, she took care of her responsibilities diligently. 

The chandrayaan mission 

The success of this mission has made India a way to further explore space. Our nation is the first to land on the south pole of the moon and is among the group of countries that have landed spacecraft on the natural satellite. 

On failing the soft landing of the Chandrayaan 2, the success of the Chandrayaan 3 after 4 years is a testament in itself. 

The Wrap 

The space endeavor is a huge exploration to dream about as a nation. Being successful in the missions is a momentous achievement to cherish. And especially a contribution from a woman makes it an inspiration for other women in the domain to pursue STEM education. 

The success of the mission comes from a team that involved Somnath who is the chairman of ISRO, the mission director – Mohana Kumar, the URSC director Sankaran, the associate project director Kalpana Kalahasti, and Unnikrishnan who leads the VSCC. 

The team efforts made the soft landing that awaited since the past mission of Chandrayaan 2, took place successfully in Chandrayaan 3.