This Doctor Might Just Become the 3rd Indian-Origin Woman In Space

“My work is separate from the work of the Canadian Space Agency and that of NASA,” she said.

(Photo Courtesy: Facebook/@Shwana Pandya)

Indian-origin citizen-scientist astronaut candidate Dr Shawna Pandya has clarified reports stating that she would soon become the third Indian-origin woman to go to space.

It was previously reported that the 32-year-old had been shortlisted to go on a mission scheduled for 2018, along with eight other astronauts. However, Pandya took to Facebook to issue a clarification.

There has been no new announcement, flight assignment or selection of missions with respect to my work as a citizen-scientist astronaut with Project Possum or The PHEnOM Project. I am no more or less likely to fly than any other member of than these projects than I was 24 hours ago. I remain, however, a steadfast, committed and dedicated teammate and crew member to the work of both projects.

Dr Pandya’s Work

Pandya, general physician at Canada’s Alberta University Hospital who trained for a short while as a neurosurgeon, is a part of the country’s Citizen Science Astronaut (CSA) programme.

She is a part of the Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere project (PoSSUM), which studies the effects of climate change. She is also a part of the Physiological, Health, and Environmental Observations in Microgravity (PHEnOM) project.

My work is separate from the work of the Canadian Space Agency and that of NASA, and should not be represented as such. The Canadian Space Agency astronaut selection is ongoing and will be finalised this year; I am not a part of the selection. While I have previously interned at NASA-Johnson Space Center, I have no current affiliation with either organisation, and would like to clarify that any reports or articles claiming as such are mistaken.

“Prioritise Your Passions”

The doctor, who is currently in Mumbai, told the Hindustan Times that she has dreamed of becoming an astronaut since her teen years.

If you prioritise your passions and commitments, it’s wonderful how much you can achieve.

Dr Shawna Pandya

Pandya has been holding a series of motivational talks in Mumbai.

When I talk to students, medical undergraduates, I realise they have the zeal to venture out, but aren’t always aware of the ways in which they can. All we need is to get acquainted with everyday developments in science, be resilient and always try to achieve something bigger.

(The Quint had previously published an article that stated Shawna Pandya was a neurosurgeon and was scheduled to be on board a space mission scheduled for 2018. The errors are regretted.)