Reaching for the stars

Close on the heels of a landmark achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation has made an exciting announcement. Yesterday, newswires the world over were abuzz with the story of ISRO’s historic ten-at-one-blow satellite launch (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7370391.stm). Today, we hear that India is set to send out a manned space mission in seven years’ time (http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/29/stories/2008042956441000.htm). This is amazing stuff. I’m the last one to pretend any knowledge of rocket science, but you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to imagine how technically challenging it must be to launch and place into orbit ten satellites with a single rocket launch.

And then there is the matter of the future desi among the stars. I am old enough to remember Rakesh Sharma’s trip to outer space. He became a national hero. I even had a tin toy rocket piloted by a Sharma likeness. Of course Sharmaji had piggy-backed on a Russian space mission. Subsequently, a song and dance has been made now and again about NASA astronauts and scientists of Indian origin. But the next one will be the real McCoy. A true-blue desi, who will sail out to the stars in an Indian tub! Wow!

Here is proof again, if proof was ever needed, that Indians are among the world’s top technical geniuses. Let’s hope the new boom in space technology also triggers a spurt in pure and applied science research in India. For a country full of such bright sparks, we do lag shamefully on this front. Moreover, we could really do with some bright new technical solutions to our many ecological and economic problems.

Meanwhile, pour a glass of your favourite tipple and raise a cheer to the boffins at ISRO. Jai Hind!

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