Moon mission

It has been a remarkable journey for India as it launched its most complex and prestigious space mission on Tuesday when the Chandrayaan-2 took off from Sriharikota with the objective of understanding the dynamics of the Moon system and the lunar interior. Coming after the first launch, aborted due to a snag, the success is a tribute to the scientists who overcame all odds to make the country self-reliant in space technology. If everything goes as planned and the rover makes a soft landing on the Moon’s surface on September 7, India will become the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to have done so, putting it in an elite league.

From mythology to folklore, the Moon has captured attention. Scientists have long held the understanding of the Moon to be crucial for life on earth. The Earth’s signature tilt on its axis is said to be because of the Moon keeping it in check which ensures that the planet is safe to live on. Without the Moon’s gravity, the Earth would wobble more violently on its axis. The Moon also is a factor behind the rhythm of the Earth, the reason behind the high and low tides. The study of lunar ice is likely to give an insight into the solar system.

Space is also the new frontier and India has tapped it to boost its capability in weather forecast, telecommunications and defence. The Mars Orbiter Mission, a military satellite besides launch of foreign satellites signified the capability. The focus on self-reliance is underlined by the fact that the Moon mission was supposed to be a joint venture with Russia that could not provide the lander and rover, making Indian scientists come up with their own options. It is said India lagged behind economically because it missed the first industrial revolution powered by technology as it was under colonial rule. We seized our chance when the IT boom took place and now the desire for space foray is there despite the limitations of resources. The country and its scientists deserve plaudits for the success.