Rocket
Is it fair for a country which spends ~$800mn on fake firecrackers, to question spending $74mn on Mission to Mars?
ISRO’s Mar’s mission — Mangalyaan was successfully launched today from Sriharikota at 2:58pm. The mission is estimated to cost $74mn. Needless to say that it raised questions on wisdom of spending money on Space program.
“I believe that in a country where 230 million people sleep hungry every night, where basic healthcare, clean water and sanitation facilities are not available… it (the Mars mission) reflects a remarkable indifference to the dignity of the poor.” — Social activist Harsh Mander, former member of the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council. Link
I wonder how HT is carrying such pieces in print?
Another piece on Economist hits the nail on it’s head
By one estimate, Indians spend over $800m a year on fireworks. But, in cosmic terms, they barely leave the ground. How much more exciting that a single, 4.5 billion-rupee ($74m) rocket is set to whoosh high into the sky on November 5th. (Link)
Another criticism came from Indian-born NASA scientist
“It will hardly be a novel accomplishment in the world of technology. Isro need not recreate what has already been done,” — Amitabha Ghosh (from same HT article, link)
Absolutely, Mr. Ghosh. We need not replicate. ISRO need not do anything with their 16000 staff, and BTW what exactly NASA is doing currently without it’s shuttles? Oops.
Bottom line
World’s 4th largest economy by PPP, and 9th largest in nominal terms ($1.8+ trillion) can and will spend $74mn on a rocket. Just like world’s largest economy (USA) spends $729,000 million per year on military ($1997 mn per day). In my opinion spending $800mn on firecrackers is absolutely insane, however the same people should think again before questioning a measly expense of $74mn by ISRO.
