If you think it's important to have a space agency, but your country doesn't have one, then it's important to just get it done. That was the mantra of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Founder of ISRO - India's national space agency. While ISRO lacks the budget, and has not sent anyone into space, the agency is now on track to have a man on the moon by 2008.
"There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society. "- Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Founder of ISRO
From Wired:
Although the space program is a civilian effort, it is a symbol of national excellence -- and that makes it an ideal target. But behind the several layers of security, the Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO, is abuzz with new projects and excitement.
n the coming years, ISRO will send its first probe, the Chandrayaan-1, to map and photograph the surface of the moon. The agency will also introduce two new heavy-lifting rockets and establish extensive telecommunications networks that will link even the most remote regions of the country.
India's Cut-Price Space Program
India's Cut-Price Space Program
Trend Themes
1. Affordable Space Exploration - India's national space agency, ISRO, has achieved remarkable feats in space exploration on a limited budget, opening up opportunities in affordable space exploration.
2. Application of Advanced Technologies - ISRO's belief in using advanced technologies for the betterment of society presents an opportunity to explore the application of disruptive innovations in various industries.
3. National Excellence as a Symbol - ISRO's space program as a symbol of national excellence presents an opportunity for other countries and industries to leverage national pride to achieve comparable feats.
Industry Implications
1. Space Industry - ISRO's successful and cost-effective space program is disrupting the traditional high-cost space industry, presenting an opportunity for innovation in space exploration and technology.
2. Telecommunications Industry - ISRO's establishment of extensive telecommunications networks to link remote regions of India presents an opportunity for the telecommunications sector to leverage low-cost, high-efficiency networks.
3. Technology Industry - ISRO's application of advanced technologies to solve real-world problems presents an opportunity for disruptive innovations in various technology industries as well as other fields benefiting from the technological advancements.