Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Well done again, ISRO!' that was published in Newsband

Well done again, ISRO!

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is doing wonders. Just recently, it had sent off the Mars Orbiter Mission. Now it has put Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) into orbit with effortless ease. GSLV will help Chandrayaan-2, which is expected to put an Indian lander and rover on the moon in a few years’ time. ISRO is now working on a more powerful rocket, the GSLV Mark III. Great!

Research is critical to development of technologies. The investments made by Western economies in science have led to a number of commercial technologies which have given them a huge advantage in development. If we fail to invest in such avenues, we will be buying such services from these countries at exorbitant costs and will be exposed to threat of sanctions. So, in order to have an independent foreign policy, we should be self-reliant technologically.

While we still live in a country plagued by hunger and dearth of toilets, we should focus on tackling both issues (basic necessities, research) simultaneously rather than sequentially.

We salute the ISRO team for their advanced scientific endeavour and for helping to improve future capabilities through knowledge exchange at indigenous fundamental research and training, academic, industrial and entrepreneurial verticals - all with the aim of contributing even more to raise the standard and quality of life of all.

Funding for space research and all other types of research activities is well justified, even if there is hunger, poverty and all sorts of miseries. It is the problem of the administration lacunae. A country needs to be advanced in the research fields and their effect will finally show, though through a gradual process, on the common man. The advanced meteorological warnings, video conferences, medical innovations, remote sensing (agricultural patterns), navigation are directly or indirectly related the life of a common Indian. Also in this world of hostility where new geo-political developments are taking place, one cannot be dependent on foreign nation for these important needs.

We must learn from Japan. In spite of many disasters they face they spend enormously on research works. That's why they are advanced. We need to learn from examples set by them.

As ISRO has developed many weapons for the countries security by investing crores of money but the governing bodies should not misuse or keep unused these new technologies. They must use if for the development and safety of the nation.

While we have acquired complete mastery in solid and earth-storable liquid motors, it is the high-energy cryogenic and semi-cryogenic engines alone that can take us further in utilizing space for the common good of Indians in particular and mankind in general. Our country can get the fullest benefits of exploiting the space only when we achieve that.

The execution of missions has been impeccable and we now stand at par with major powers of the world as far as space tech goes. Next logical step should be to open up our GSLV for commercial purpose. Let other countries launch their satellites using our GSLV capabilities. And let’s make money out of it. Let’s give big guys a run for their money.

Anyway, kudos to the Team ISRO!