WHY SPACE?
Why is having a space presence still such an attractive prospect for so many countries today?
One major aspect is the utility of space technologies for ground operations of military forces.
In the last few decades, the interconnectedness of space technologies, especially in the form of navigation and reconnaissance satellites, have become indispensable. The satellites can help in planning and facilitating troop movements, as well as providing real-time data of the topography and other challenges.
For India, given its ongoing border conflict with China and adversarial relations with Pakistan, it’s imperative to have better eyes in the sky. New Delhi needs to stay on top of Chinese troop movements and border constructions undertaken by Beijing, as well as other infrastructure growth across the border.
A functional space programme can also be greatly beneficial for civilian and economic growth and improving living standards.
Former ISRO chief S Somanath in August 2024 stated that the Indian’s space programme’s economic impact has been 2.5 times the investment, creating not only jobs and employment opportunities but also support systems for fishermen, agriculture, crop forecasting, natural resource planning and disaster avoidance.
This, coupled with increased capabilities for improving day-to-day navigation, internet, streaming, connectivity all widen India’s range for stronger economic growth – and not just in the domestic sense.
