भारतीय स्वरुप दैनिक ई-पेपर
There are generally two views on Indian space exploration – The first opines that we cannot afford to explore; the second answers that we cannot afford NOT to explore. The subject matter is of high relevance in wake of recent happenings across space research, whether it be for India launching Chandrayan-2 with partial success or planning for manned Gaganyaan project, Mangalyaan-2 or other space projects. From the outset, this question can be a clear binary(yes/no) answer for an individual. But, this is something that needs to be dwelled upon from the global perspective as it carries more gravitas than what we generally think. It can help find future avenues for sustaining and emanating life, can help with the problem of natural resource crunch and limited resource utilization, to further the understanding of universe for energy efficient solutions elsewhere and most importantly is directly linked to our present(Finances incurred, time utilized, intensive training needed)that could be realized in addressing other immediate problems.
So, given the stakes, should we go about it? Is that all? Is it justified now to invest heavily on space exploration plans which are not sure to give positive results? Given that,40% of lunar missions in last sixty years failed, is it advisable to go forward with more complex projects where failing to find a solution in time can result in losing what we already have in hand? Or the time and energy can be used in some other project on Earth? Some question that even if we achieve the desired results somehow, what if it comes at a cost of significant space war with countries fighting for their precedence in terms of resources and a prelude to new existence? All these questions pop up in one’s mind and answering any of the above questions might not help make a clear choice for common people. The more blatant question that needs to be answered should be “Why does a common man spend even Rs.1 towards space exploration in a country where the per capita GDP is even below $2200 ? What stakes does he have in space research?”.The question can be answered by understanding that it is not about what we may gain but about what we will lose if we don’t delve into space. India as a country, depend on its satellites heavily, particularly on defense front (including Army, navy and air force).Even if there is a satellite communication gap for few hours across the extreme border areas of India, the neighbors can easily infiltrate the Indian soil as the Indian defense will have no clue where the enemies are and when they might attack. Any country can be trampled over if their satellites are targeted. This will not only affect the economy of the country but worse will follow as the common man will be the one most affected.
This makes it imperative for all of us to support the Indian space expeditions as there are other major eight countries already into the space where each want global prominence which can have undermining consequences for other countries. Amidst the race to be the prominent space power, India needs to make an impact and is well on track with the most cost effective but efficient missions so far.
-Ramit Awasthi
DMS, IIT Delhi
