Story perspectives

Smithsonian Shows Mangalyaan Launch Sari, First Indian Space Artifact

6/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Smithsonian’s “Futures in Space” gallery displays Nandini Harinath’s sari worn on 1 December 2013 during the Mangalyaan launch.
Mangalyaan entered Martian orbit on 24 September 2014, making India the fourth nation to reach another planet.
Curator Matt Shindell secured the sari in 2020, making it the museum’s first Indian interplanetary object.
Conservator Beth Knight draped the sari on a mannequin using YouTube tutorials, placing it beside Sally Ride’s 1983 shuttle blue t-shirt.

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Story summary

The Smithsonian’s “Futures in Space” gallery displays Nandini Harinath’s sari worn on 1 December 2013 during the Mangalyaan launch.
Mangalyaan entered Martian orbit on 24 September 2014, making India the fourth nation to reach another planet.
Curator Matt Shindell secured the sari in 2020, making it the museum’s first Indian interplanetary object.
Conservator Beth Knight draped the sari on a mannequin using YouTube tutorials, placing it beside Sally Ride’s 1983 shuttle blue t-shirt.