The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has a new addition to its collection of space-related artifacts: a vibrant red and blue silk sari, worn by Nandini Harinath, a prominent Indian space scientist, on the day India's maiden Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan, left Earth's orbit. This sari, now on display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, is a powerful symbol of India's space achievements and a personal milestone for Nandini. It also challenges stereotypes about the gender dynamics of space exploration.
Nandini, the deputy operations director for Mangalyaan, chose the sari, a gift from her father, to represent her and the mission on what she called the "single most critical day" of the project. The sari, with its cultural significance and vibrant colors, stood out in the control room as Nandini and her colleagues made the crucial decision to send the spacecraft on its 300-day journey towards Mars. This decision, made on December 1, 2013, was a pivotal moment in India's space history, as it made India only the fourth country to successfully place a spacecraft in Martian orbit.
The sari's journey to the Smithsonian began with an email from Matt Shindell, the space history curator, to Nandini in 2020. Shindell was captivated by the story of the 'Rocket Women' who worked on the mission, and he wanted to include an object that represented India's Mars mission in the museum's collection. Nandini agreed to part with the sari she wore on that historic day, and it was carefully draped on a mannequin by textiles conservator Beth Knight, who studied YouTube tutorials to ensure the traditional draping was preserved.
The sari is now displayed in the 'Futures in Space' gallery, alongside other space-related artifacts, including toys, games, and movie posters. It is placed next to the iconic blue t-shirt worn by Sally Ride during the 1983 Shuttle mission, which made her the first American woman in space. This arrangement invites visitors to reflect on the recent achievements in space exploration and the possibilities for the future.
The sari's display at the Smithsonian serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it symbolizes India's national pride in its successful Mars mission and space program. Secondly, it highlights Nandini's personal story, inspiring women to pursue careers in science. The sari's cultural significance and visibility also make it an engaging exhibit, encouraging visitors to learn more about the artifacts on display through interactive touchscreens.
The inclusion of Nandini's sari in the Smithsonian's collection is a significant recognition of India's space achievements and a testament to the personal stories of the scientists involved. It also challenges the stereotype that space exploration is a male-dominated field, showcasing the contributions of women in science and technology. As Nandini's sari takes its place among the museum's collection, it continues to inspire and educate, reminding us of the power of human ingenuity and the importance of diversity in scientific endeavors.
