Mars Orbiter Mission(MoM): Importance of Mangalyaan for India!

Amid the applause I have heard voices of discontent which are questioning the MoM on grounds of the socio-economic situation of India. I wanted to address these being as brief as possible. Here it is!

Well, there are certain things a nation needs to do if we want to strengthen our voice in the international arena. Space research may seem discordant with the notion of Inclusive development, but it is indeed a vital aspect our growth story. Why?

Defense

Space research has helped us achieve excellence in Missile technology and related services with defence which are satellite dependent. The recent launch of 'IRNNS' is a testimony to the progress we are making. (IRNSS is an alternate to Global Positioning System(GPS), which is owned by USA; Russia, EU, China, Japan have their own Global positioning systems). Just because we live in a world which is in general peaceful doesn't negate the possibility of war. In state of crisis these foreign services can easily denied to India. And anyways a good defense system is always a deterrent.

Navigation

We all know how dependent we are on GPS for navigation. Now think about the security of a country who's army is dependent on US owned GPS for access of information. The same US which has jeopradised the cyber security infrastructure through its espionage PRISM program.

Weather Forecasting

Similarly we need satellites for weather forecasting. INSAT3D and Oceansat were launched a few months back, which have even helped NASA with weather information during SANDY. Excellence in space technology is an imperative for a disaster prone country like India. The recent J&K floods and UK disaster is an indicator that we need to progress much more in terms of weather forecasting and updation of warning systems. Space technology is a link which can't be ignored here.

Tele-Communication and Commercial Space Business

 Satellites are primarily used for telecommunication, which is a booming industry. Security concerns over data transmitted has now even prompted Corporate Houses to go for their own nano-satellites. Also every country can't afford to launch their own satellite or simply don't have the capability, but they do need it.

In both the cases India has proved to be a cheap and reliable vendor. ANTRIX is the commercial arm of ISRO which deals with this business. India is already a hot property. Our most recently commercial launch was of 4 satellites from Canada, France, Singapore. With success of Mangalyaan the business will only grow.

A Branding Exercise

Thus with success of MoM India has shown that we have achieved excellence in space technology especially in Deep Space Communication and Navigation Control. MoM is more like a branding exercise and an effort to make our voice more prominent in the International community.

Mars Curse: Setting an Example

We must remember that India achieved this feat which USA, Russia(Erstwhile USSR), China, Japan couldn't achieve in their first attempt.All these nations failed and thus it started be called as the 'Mars Curse' This fact itself is a testimony to the excellence of ISRO. We successfully avoided the Mars Curse! :)

Why is MoM so significant?

Further If we are to become world leaders in future, a sound economy and strong technical potential is indispensable.  Look at any world power of today or yesteryear and you would know. Advancements in technology are often a result of research in space of technology. Many inventions in this world have come due to research done by NASA.

Finally,  I agree that India is grappling with problems like poverty, illiteracy,  human development, gender equality et al but we must realise that excellence requires continuous work. ISRO can’t sit idle, they also need motivation for good performance. MoM is one such endeavour.

And People who are cribbing about the cost i.e Rs 460 Cr . Well if you calculate it comes out to be a Rs 4/person. Not much I would say. And spending this much on missions like MoM, is way better than corrupt politicians and businessmen eating away public money.

Still we have a long road ahead of us and same goes for ISRO. We are yet to master our GSLV , which houses a cryogenic engine, and can carry much heavier payloads into the outer space. This translates into more no: of attached satellites and more commercial launches. Besides we can send more sophisticated research equipment in the outer space.

Anyways, The Bottom Line is:

'It is not the time to crib. We should be proud of India. It is a big achievement. Congratulations all!'