Lalithambika


Dr.V. R. Lalithambika, an engineer with ISRO is a specialist in Advanced Launcher Technologies. She led the Gaganyaan mission that sent Indian astronauts to space in 2022.

 

Early life

Lalithambika, who was born in Thiruvananthapuram was fascinated by the Thumba rocket launch centre. She did her graduation and post graduation from Thiruvananthapuram. Lalithambika did her PhD while working for ISRO.

After her studies, she joined ISRO. She played a significant role in sending over 100 satellites into space as part of the ISRO team. She has worked with many rockets including Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). Before joining ISRO, she had also worked with the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. She led a team that designed rocket control and guidance systems.

She was awarded the Space Gold Medal (2001), ISRO Individual Merit Award and ISRO Performance Excellence Award (2013). She has also won Astronautical Society of India award for excellence in launch vehicle technology.

In 2023 she was awarded the highest French civilian order Legion d'Honneur for boosting space cooperation between India and France. She had worked with the French CNES (Centre national d'études spatiales), the French Space agency.

This is the highest civilian award in France. It is a proud moment that someone, that too a woman scientist from India, got the award.

 

 

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

#Shakthi series - Salamurada Thimakka

Image
  Introduction The banyans looked at each other and shook their branches in happiness. They saw their mother walking under their shad to visit one of their younger brothers. The lady, aged but happy and content was looking around the tree laden area with contentment and happiness. Meet Salumarada Thimakka. Salumarada Thimakka, often referred to as the “Tree Lady” of India, is a remarkable environmentalist known for her extraordinary dedication to afforestation and conservation. Born in 1910 in the state of Karnataka, Thimakka has become a symbol of perseverance and commitment to the environment, inspiring many with her selfless work. Her life story highlights the importance of grassroots activism in combating deforestation and climate change. Early Life and Struggles Thimakka was born into a humble family in a rural village. From a young age, she faced the challenges of poverty and limited access to education. However, these difficulties did not deter her spirit. After marr...
Read more

Velu Nachiar

Image
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8sTOjqDqHs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8sTOjqDqHs Queen Velu Nachiar was an 18th century queen who fought against the British. Born in present day Ramnda district. She is known as Veeramangai (or brave woman). She was the only child of the Raja Chellamuthu Vijayaraghunatha Sethupathy and Rani Sakandimuthal of Ramnad.   Rani Velu Nachiyar was trained in war match weapons usage, martial arts like Valari, Silambam (fighting using stick), horse riding and archery. She was a scholar in many languages and she had proficiency with languages like French, English and Urdu.She married the king of Sivagangai, with whom she had a daughter. When her husband, Muthuvaduganathaperiya Udaiyathevar, was killed by British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot, she was drawn into battle. She escaped with her daughter and lived under the protection of Palayakaarar Kopaala Naayakkar at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. Frustrated by the joining of forces...
Read more

Da.... Da..... Da

Image
  The Story of Da, Da and Da   # Stories from the Upanishads Source:Bhrihadranya Upanishad Brahma the Creator, created the devas, asuras and humans. As a parent he treats all his children in the same way. He is also the guru and the guide for all his creations. Once the Devas went to Brahma and said “Please give us a simple instruction for living our life.” Brahma just said the syllable Da. He looked at them and said, “Have you understood. Now please go and follow this.” The Devas said, “Yes. We have understood. Our universe is filled with objects that give so much pleasure to the senses. Hence we are not able to control the senses. You have told us to practice Damyata (Self control in Sanskrit) . Damyata indicates both control of the mind and the body. We shall obey you and try to follow abstinence.” They saluted the Creator and left. Next the humans created by Brahma came to him and said, “Oh Divine Father, Please give us an instruction that is easy for us to follow....
Read more