Ingenuity of Indian scientists working on shoe-string budget with unconventional techniques created history by successfully placing Mars spacecraft “Manglayaan” into Orbit, costing $74 million, less than Hollywood blockbuster Gravity, cheapest interplanetary mission ever undertaken.
Mars Orbiter Mission Director K. Radhakrishan commented, “Jugaad, very quintessential Indian trait” referring to Indian scientists’ ability to innovate within extremely fragile and flexible scenario, classic example of the efficiency concept at work in global contest, beyond boundary of human experience, unmatched innovation, out of Indian epic Mahabharata that describes such planetary travels, harvesting ancient wisdom for human advancement.
Only 21 out of 51 launches succeeded, even one by technically advanced Japan failed, thus opening $200 billion space technology market India can dominate, putting Western weather, spy and communication satellites in orbit at unmatchable price, especially as American space technology is in the doldrums, relying on Russia to rendezvous with their astronauts in Space-station. Agitated iconoclast hucksters, Western inhibition, contrariwise critics of Indian Space programme out of jealousy and commercial interest, offered Hobson’s choice have maintained dignified silence.
Orbiting spacecraft will study Mars gravity, check methane, sign of life and reasons for once fertile Mars going barren, losing its’ atmosphere, water and rudimentary life. Excited proud Indians are looking forward to establishing thriving “Moon Colony” by year 2030 that could become base for interplanetary travel.
Bhupendra M Gandhi
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