India carried out two high-profile missions in quick succession: Chandrayaan-3, which landed on the unexplored south pole of the moon, and Aditya-L1, a solar probe sent on Saturday (2 September). Observers say the back-to-back efforts have renewed public pride and highlighted ISRO’s cost-efficient approach.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) says Aditya-L1 is designed to view the sun without eclipses and to monitor solar activity and space weather in real time. India is reported to have budgeted US$46 million for the sun probe, while Chandrayaan-3 began with a starting budget of US$75 million.
Scientists broadly praised the technical achievements but debated national science priorities. D Indumathi, a professor of theoretical physics, warned that science funding is often compartmentalised. Other researchers, including Aurnab Ghose and Argha Banerjee, expressed concern about shrinking support for fundamental sciences, while some experts argued the space work also brings practical benefits.
Difficult words
- mission — A planned journey or operation into space.missions
- south pole — The southernmost point of a planetary body.
- probe — An instrument or spacecraft for close study.
- budget — Plan for how much money will be used.budgeted
- cost-efficient — Gives good results for a low price.
- compartmentalise — To keep separate parts or activities apart.compartmentalised
- fundamental — Basic and important for understanding things.
- space weather — Conditions on the sun that affect space.
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Discussion questions
- Do you think a cost-efficient approach to space missions is important? Why or why not?
- How might missions like these affect public interest in science and technology in your country?
- Should a government balance funding between space projects and basic scientific research? Explain your view.
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