ISRO scientist Nandini Harinath’s saree from India’s Mars mission showcased at Smithsonian Museum in the US

A saree worn during a regular day at ISRO has now earned a place inside one of the world’s most respected space museums. The story is drawing attention not because of extravagance but because of what the saree came to symbolize – a quiet yet powerful moment in India’s Mars mission that has now become part of global space history.

Indian space story gets global spotlight

In a notable display, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., has included a saree linked to Indian space scientist Nandini Harinath in its collection.

The museum is known for preserving important milestones in aviation and space exploration. This time, it has showcased a saree connected to India’s Mars mission journey, placing it among internationally recognized space exhibits.

The saree and the mission day

The saree featured in the exhibit is described as a vibrant red and blue saree with intricate patterns.

It is associated with a key day during India’s Mars mission journey when the spacecraft began its long travel after leaving Earth’s orbit.

The saree is displayed on a mannequin and is part of an exhibit that connects personal moments with major space achievements.

Museum description shared with the exhibit

The Smithsonian Museum also shared a detailed note explaining the significance of the display. The caption reads:

“One of India's ‘Rocket Women,’ Nandini Harinath, helped her country reach Mars. She wore this saree to work the day the Indian Space Research Organisation's spacecraft successfully left Earth's orbit and began its 300-day journey to Mars. As a rocket scientist and the Mars Orbiter Mission's deputy operations director, Harinath was integral to mission planning and operations. Far exceeding its mission of six to 10 months, the spacecraft spent eight years in orbit, documenting Mars' surface and atmosphere.”

Link to India’s Mars mission

The saree is connected to India’s Mars Orbiter Mission, known as Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). Launched in 2013, the mission marked a major achievement for India when it successfully entered Mars orbit.

About Nandini Harinath

Nandini Harinath is a senior scientist working with the Indian Space Research Organisation. She has been involved in mission planning and operations for many years and has contributed to more than 14 space missions during her career.
Thumb image: Instagram/Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum