With a successful insertion in Martian orbit through its Mars Orbital Mission (MOM) Sept. 23, India joins only the United States, Russia and the European Space Agency as the only countries to successfully send a mission to Mars. Being an extraordinary scientific achievement, it’s understandably a source of national pride for India. At the same time, about 620 million people in India do not have access to adequate toilets, and the $74 million price tag for the Mars mission could have been put to better use. India’s space program has been beneficial in typhoon warnings and monsoon predictions, so it has definitely benefited the country, but many probably feel the money put towards the Mars mission could have been put toward improving the country instead.
Do you agree with Ravi that India’s finances could be put to better use? What’s your view on India’s lack infrastructure? Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com
