A simple red-and-blue saree, once worn by an Indian scientist during a pivotal moment in space exploration, has found a unique place at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. This garment, belonging to ISRO Deputy Operations Director Nandini Harinath, is now displayed in the museum's “Futures in Space” gallery, recognizing the deep connection between culture, identity, and scientific endeavors.
A Critical Day for Mangalyaan
The saree holds a special significance for Harinath, as it was her attire on December 1, 2013, a day she describes as the “single most critical day” for India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). On this high-stakes occasion, ISRO scientists had to execute the precise maneuver that would propel Mangalyaan out of Earth's orbit and set it on its arduous 300-day journey to Mars.
“It was a do-or-die moment, the most critical operation in the mission,” Harinath recalled. “We had to decide where the spacecraft goes, how it goes and when it goes. The success of the mission depended on what we did that day.”
For Harinath, who often wears sarees, particularly those gifted by her father, on important professional occasions, the red-and-blue garment was a natural choice for such a historic milestone.
Symbol of India's Space Success
India successfully placed Mangalyaan into Martian orbit on September 24, 2014, becoming only the fourth entity globally to achieve this feat and the first to do so on its inaugural attempt. This mission was also notable for its remarkably low cost compared to other interplanetary endeavors.
The celebrations that followed produced an iconic image of saree-clad women at ISRO, which resonated globally. While ISRO later clarified that many in that specific viral photo were administrative staff, the agency underscored the crucial roles played by numerous women scientists, including those in the control room during the landmark operations.
“Rocket Women” at the Smithsonian
Matt Shindell, space history curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, was deeply impacted by the image of these women. “I felt it would be a great story to tell, the story of these ‘Rocket Women’ who were at the front and centre of this important mission,” Shindell stated, explaining the decision to acquire Harinath’s saree for the museum’s permanent collection.
While the Smithsonian houses several Indian artifacts, mostly related to aviation, Harinath’s saree is unique. Shindell noted, “Nandini’s sari is the first object I have collected from India for our interplanetary science collection and it’s our very first saree.”
Displayed alongside objects chronicling humanity's evolving relationship with space, Harinath’s saree sits next to the iconic blue T-shirt worn by Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. This deliberate juxtaposition highlights that scientific excellence and groundbreaking achievements can manifest across diverse cultural identities, celebrating both individual milestones and collective human endeavor in space.