The nation as one joined hands together to watch India’s first moon-lander – “VIKRAM” reach its final drop point. The challenge in hand was to look at the fact that the “15- minute window of terror” would go successful and the world would gaze at ISRO and applaud at the achievement, but unfortunately things went south of what was intended.
Since its inception in 1969, the visions which led ISRO towards what it has become now was “(to) Harness space technology for national development, while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration.” The foundation for this was built in the early 1960’s when the great Dr. Vikram Sarabhai demonstrated the power of communication satellites and recognised the benefits of space tech for national development. In 1967, with Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Ramanathan at its helm, Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was initiated. It is interesting to see how ISRO has grown from St. Mary Magdelene Church in Thumba of Thiruvananthapuram to the numerous offices in and around India now. The first office for space scientists located in Thumba is still in its glory and houses a space museum.
With no stones left to be turned, it is safe to say that ISRO in present day leads in front with nations like United Sates of America, China, Russia etc in the world of space tech and space research. It is also right to say that there is more to ISRO than what it is credited for. A national geo portal called “Bhuvan” which comprises of satellite imagery, maps and analysis is that part of ISRO which is less recognised, and this geo portal also lets us download data for free and gives satellite imagery in both 2D and 3D formats. Another service with great potential for common people is Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) which helps find ‘Potential Fishing Zones’ for the Fishermen Community. Other than this, there is also a satellite based Augmentation System Called GAGAN to provide better ‘Air Traffic Management’. All of these have great application and potential as its ideal role is to improve the lives of common people.
To round- off, ISRO has completed 101 Spacecraft Missions, 72 Launch Missions, 2 Re- entry missions and has also launched 9 Student Satellites and 269 Foreign Satellites of 32 different countries. With all these data(s) placed, what ISRO as a Space Organization has done for the country and Astronomy community is commendable. So, to judge the Organization based on one setback is disheartening. The saying “ Failure is the stepping stone for success”, plays right in the context, as in future ISRO will transcend to greater heights and reach farther places.
Since it is the first of many articles I am writing for “UNWIND”, I will recommend one movie per article. As the theme for this article is Space, I am willing to suggest a movie called “MOON” directed by Duncan Jones with stellar performances by Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey.
Hope you have an exciting watch.