The Indian space scientist Nandini Harinath's sari, a vibrant red and blue silk garment, has found a new home at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington. This sari, worn by Nandini on December 1, 2013, during the critical moment when India's Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan, was launched, is now on display in the museum's 'Futures in Space' gallery. The sari's inclusion in the museum's collection is a significant milestone, as it represents not only India's national pride in its space program but also the personal story of Nandini, a woman who has shattered stereotypes and inspired a new generation of women in science. The sari's display invites visitors to consider the motivations behind space exploration and the role of women in science, raising important questions about who decides who goes to space and why we go there. The sari's cultural value and ease of identification make it a perfect addition to the museum's collection, and its presence serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of women in science and the importance of diversity in space exploration.
