On a high

PSLV our proven workhorse blasted of today around 6:20 AM , on the moon mission. Unlike the US, USSR and China, in our space activities there is hardly an element of show off. Partly cause we being a developing country lack the resources to indulge in fashion eg: sending a man to space. I am not saying there can be no scientific gains from sending a man to space, but the economic costs far outweigh the gains in science. Those funds can be better utilized to educate the millions or provide basic health care.

So we have stuck with sending satellites, for weather forecasting, communication, broadcasting and recently in imaging, which has some strategic implications. ANd done a really nice job too, DDs reach throughout India with the network of terrestrial broadcasting stations is possible cause of ISROs satellites. IN many parts of India DD is still the only TV channel, that people can afford, cause its free. Govt can reach out to people in times of need through DD and provide the govts outlook, not necessarily a good thing, but in the absence of any other perspective, we can live with it.

From building satellites we slowly graduated to ASLVs (Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicles) used to propel low earth satellites and then graduated to PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and now almost mastered the GSLV (Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle). The spin off of these technology can be felt with DRDOs missile capability. Our independence from foreign commercial launch services, especially when we want to launch military satellites.

Over the next 15 days the moon mission unravels. WE all will be following it closely, what a delight it brings a nation, slowly getting up, shoulder to shoulder with the other pioneers, pointing a finger at the stars above, a curious confident smile on her face .