Swati Mohan, launch system chief engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, emphasizes the importance of diversity in space exploration, citing its potential to bring forth unique viewpoints and foster true collaboration. Speaking at an interaction organized by the United States Consulate General and Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre, Mohan highlighted the significance of diverse representation across gender, ethnicity, and culture. She emphasized that when individuals from different backgrounds have an equal footing to share their ideas, genuine collaboration ensues.
Mohan’s remarks come amidst her presentation on ‘Mars 2020: From Launch to Landing,’ where she engaged with students from women’s colleges on various aspects of space exploration, including partnerships between NASA and ISRO, and the role of women in STEM fields. She urged students, especially women and under-represented minorities, to contribute to space exploration with passion, purpose, and perseverance, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives to tackle the challenges of space exploration effectively.