Nalini Nayak

Pioneered India's Mars Orbiter Mission with cost-effective technology.

Nalini Nayak, an Indian aerospace engineer, was a key figure in the success of the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), launched in 2013. As the project's propulsion systems lead, Nayak developed lightweight, fuel-efficient engines that reduced mission costs by over 70% compared to international counterparts. Born in 1972, she broke gender barriers in India's male-dominated space sector, becoming one of the few women in ISRO's leadership. Her work on the Mars mission demonstrated India's capability to achieve scientific milestones with limited resources, inspiring global recognition. The mission's success, costing just $74 million, was a fraction of NASA's Maven mission ($671 million), showcasing Nayak's innovative problem-solving. She has since mentored young engineers and advocated for women in STEM through initiatives like the Women in Engineering Network.