India's Mission to Mars - Will it lead to a heightened scientific temper of Indians.?
Mars used to be an intractable riddle for an earthman long before his successful landing in 1964. Since mars resembles to earth in many facets, it has always been a centre of attraction for all. Human settlement of mars is the next milestone for human kind. The curiosity that aroused with the first flight of mars mission in 1960 hasn't vanished yet. On the voyage of human race into the universe, Mars is no less than the salt of the earth.
Despite being two distinct planets of the solar system, earth and mars are very much alike. Like earth, mars also possess weather and its two poles are icy. One complete day of mars is hardly 37 minutes longer than that of the earth; namely its one day accounts for 24 hours 37 minutes. Moreover, Mars contains the highest mountain of the solar system. 17 miles high Olympus Mountain of mars is three times to the Everest. In spite of being endowed with the highest mountain, mars is half of the earth with respect to its size.
For the very first time in the long history of India, she has extended its access to mars. It was not a royal road for Indian scientists to reach mars that too with such a shambling economy. All in all, it was a very emotional moment for 2cr. Indians.
INDIA'S MARS MISSION
Mangalyaan, also known as MOM (mars orbiter mission), was launched on 5th November 2013 by Indian space research organization (ISRO). It was successfully inserted into mars orbit on 24th September 2014, after 298 days of its launch. MOM mission concept began in 2010 and the government of India assented to the project on 3rd august 2012. This project was first planned to launch on 28th October 2012 but owing to poor weather conditions in the Pacific Ocean it was postponed.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of MOM was to project India's rocket launch systems, space craft building and operation capabilities. This objective also comprises the development of technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of interplanetary mission. In addition, the secondary objective incorporates the tasks such as exploration of mars' surface features, morphology, mineralogy and Martian atmosphere using indigenous scientific instruments.
ACHIEVEMENTS
MOM is India's first interplanetary mission. Following the soviet space programme, NASA, the European space agency, ISRO has become the fourth successful space agency reaching Mars. Furthermore, India also attained the status of the first nation to reach Mars orbit in its maiden attempt and the first Asian nation to do so.
The total cost of the mission was approximately 450cr. Rupees (US$50mn). MOM has been crowned as the least expensive mars mission. Prime Minister Narendra Modi boasted of the tremendous achievement of Indian scientists in space. He added that the cost of MOM was 7Rs. /km to mars which was rather cheaper than single bus ride on earth.
COMPETITON WITH OTHER NATIONS
Undoubtedly, India tasted her sweet success that too in her first attempt. India has created a global history by reaching the planet on debut which no other country had achieved yet. The triumph of MOM ignited the competition among the Asian nations. India has become the fourth country to reach mars after America, Russia and Europe. Despite being so proficient in space technology, China failed to reach mars first. In 2008, when India commenced its first mission to moon Chandrayaan-1, China with its Chang'e-1 satellite defeated India in the race. But this time, it was India's turn to put China at the back foot by finishing the line ahead of it. In 2012 within 15 days of failure of the first Chinese probe Yinghuo-1 to mars, India prepared herself for the same.
The serious competition of space race in Asia is certainly a reminiscent of twentieth century's arms race between USA and USSR. The success of this mission has washed off the tarnished the image of India as a poor and dependent country.
IGNITION OF SCINTIFIC TEMPER
The temperament of scientists would definitely be at its zenith after the accomplishment of the mission. Such an achievement inculcates the spirit of hard work in Indian students. Indian science faculty must be overjoyed with its success. This will inspire generations to believe that all things are possible if one intends to accomplish it. Indian government needs to promote more Indian minds to get indulged in this field. Mangalyaan's triumph has showed the world that Indians are born with extraordinary calibre which when catches fire enlightens the whole world through their achievements.
Priyanka singh
Related Essay
- What to Expect from India's Second Moon Mission
- Essay on India's Mission to Mars - Will it lead to a heightened scientific temper of Indians.
- Discuss on India's Mission to Mars - Will it lead to a heightened scientific temper of Indians?
