Indian ‘Rocket Woman’ Nandini Harinath’s Saree from Mars Mission Displayed at U.S. Museum
Image source, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
Nandini Harinath recalls the day she wore a bright red and blue silk saree to the Indian Space Research Organisation office as the most important day in her life.
This saree is now proudly preserved on display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington.
Nandini, the Deputy Operations Director of India’s first Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan, wore this saree on December 1, 2013.
She often chooses to wear the silk sarees gifted by her father when representing India’s space agency or during special occasions.
Given the significance of the day, that saree was the most fitting choice for her.
Nandini and other ISRO scientists were controlling the spacecraft from the control room as it was being steered out of Earth’s orbit and sent on a 300-day journey around Mars.
“It was a do-or-die moment, the most critical operation of the mission,” Nandini said in a 2016 interview. “We had to decide where, how, and when the spacecraft would go. Our decision determined the success of the mission.”
Mangalyaan successfully entered Mars’ orbit on September 24, 2014. With this achievement, India became the fourth nation and the first in the region to do so.
On that day, Nandini and other female scientists celebrated wearing sarees at ISRO’s office, a photograph of which went viral on social media, gaining worldwide recognition. It challenged the belief in India that rocket science is a male-only domain.
ISRO later clarified that the women celebrating were not just administrative staff but many female scientists actively engaged and in control of the mission.
Matt Shindell, curator of space history at the Smithsonian Museum, described the photo as “very appealing.”
“I thought it was fitting to tell the story of these ‘Rocket Women’ who were at the heart and forefront of this important mission.”
In 2020, Shindell contacted Nandini via email to discuss what best represents India’s Mars mission and her role in it.
“I asked her which artifact she would like to preserve. We agreed to keep the saree she wore the day Mangalyaan left Earth’s orbit,” Shindell said.
Image source, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
Each week, over 10,000 visitors tour the Smithsonian, which houses many other Indian artifacts, primarily related to air forces and aircraft companies.
There is also a silver casket gifted by ISRO in 2007 to mark the 90th birthday of scientist and storyteller Arthur C. Clarke.
“But Nandini’s saree is the first scientific item and the first saree in our science collection,” Shindell said.
The saree is featured in the Air and Space Museum’s ‘Futures in Space’ exhibition alongside toys, games, movie posters, and the blue T-shirt worn by Sally Ride, the first American woman astronaut, during the 1983 Space Shuttle mission.
Shindell explained, “The exhibit aims to inform visitors about current and future space endeavors.”
“We have many questions about space, and this exhibit encourages visitors to ask: Ultimately, who goes to space? Who decides? Why do we go? And what do we do when we get there?”
The exhibit’s purpose and the displayed artifacts are intended to inspire interest in space exploration.
According to Shindell, Nandini’s saree offers two key inspirations.
“First, it symbolizes national pride in India’s first Mars mission and successful space program. Second, it represents Nandini’s personal story, encouraging many to pursue careers in science.”
The saree was chosen as a cultural artifact reflecting its cultural significance and wide recognizability. The exhibit also features touchscreens to engage visitors further.
“I’m very happy that people visiting are interested in seeing the saree and learning about it. It’s a wonderful addition to our collection,” Shindell added.