Director of ISRO's Mission Sun Nigar Shaji: Top student who opted for engineering over medicine

Who is Nigar Shaji, and why is she significant in the context of ISRO's Mission Sun?

Nigar Shaji is a prominent engineer at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who chose engineering over medicine despite being a school topper. She is significant in the context of ISRO's Mission Sun because she is the director of the mission, responsible for its planning and execution.

What inspired Nigar Shaji to pursue engineering over medicine, and how did she join ISRO?

Nigar Shaji's decision to pursue engineering was driven by her passion for space exploration. Despite societal expectations and her family's aspirations for her to become a doctor, she chose engineering. She joined ISRO in 1987, starting her career at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Can you provide more details about ISRO's Mission Sun, Aditya 1?

Aditya 1 is a mission by ISRO aimed at studying the Sun in great detail. It has objectives that include observing solar activity, studying solar winds and magnetic fields, and deploying advanced instruments such as the visible emission line coronagraph (VELC) and an onboard detector (ASPEX) to capture high-resolution images and data.

What role does Nigar Shaji play in ISRO's Aditya 1 mission?

Nigar Shaji serves as the director of ISRO's Mission Sun, Aditya 1. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the entire mission, including its planning, execution, and coordination with international collaborators. Her extensive experience and expertise make her a key figure in the mission's success.

What are the challenges and expectations associated with ISRO's Aditya 1 mission?

Aditya 1 faces challenges related to the extreme conditions near the Sun, including intense radiation and high temperatures. However, expectations for the mission are high due to ISRO's successful track record in space exploration. The mission is expected to provide valuable insights into the Sun's behavior and its impact on Earth's space environment.