Dr. Ritu Karidhal is Senior Scientist, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). She has a key role in realizing the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) which created history by becoming the first mission to reach Mars in its first attempt. As Deputy Operations Director for MOM, Dr. Karidhal and her team executed the critical operation of Leaving Earth and Capturing Mars flawlessly. As the Mission Director of Chandrayaan-2, she carried out the mission operation from lift-off until it reached the Moon. Dr. Karidhal did her M.Sc. in Physics from Lucknow University and M.Tech. from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). She has published more than 20 papers in reputed international and national journals. Dr. Karidhal is the recipient of several awards including the Young Scientist Award; ISRO Team Award for MOM; ASI Team Award; and Women Achievers in Aerospace. She recently received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Lucknow University and the IISc Alumnus Award.

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