Neharika Gambhir, a former student of Saint Joseph Secondary School, has made history by becoming Fiji’s first female analog astronaut, a landmark achievement that inspires pride and recognition in her home country. Having resided in the United States for over five years, she reflects on her longstanding dream of becoming an astronaut, a passion that began at age five when she first gazed at the moon through binoculars.
Currently serving as a Crew Astrobiologist/Data Officer at the Analog Astronaut Training Center in Poland, Gambhir’s journey has been marked by significant challenges and determination. After moving to the U.S., she juggled three jobs to support herself, facing a lack of family support. Despite these difficulties, she pursued her education relentlessly, obtaining qualifications in cyber-engineering and later entering flight school. Her efforts culminated in participation in programs such as NASA’s L’SPACE Academy and the IIAS’s flight test engineering program, ultimately leading her to apply for an analog astronaut position.
Gambhir acknowledges the male dominance in the field and the hurdles she faced, including the physical and mental demands of astronaut training. Yet, she views each obstacle as an opportunity for growth, reinforcing her commitment to her goals.
She challenges other young women in Fiji to embrace their uniqueness and pursue unconventional paths rather than conforming to societal expectations. Ending her interview with an inspiring quote, she reiterates, “the sky is the limit if there are footprints on the moon,” emphasizing her belief that aspirations can indeed manifest into reality.
Neharika Gambhir’s story serves as a beacon of hope, paving the way for future generations of women in science and exploration. Her remarkable journey is a testament to resilience and the power of following one’s dreams, regardless of challenges.
This accomplishment not only highlights individual determination but also serves to inspire others to explore new frontiers and contribute to fields that have been traditionally underrepresented by women.
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