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Space revolution for the masses

India is witnessing a space revolution of sorts with satellites being launched every other month. On Wednesday, it placed 20 satellites in their designated orbits, including one for Google. This is a new record for the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) that's seen a revival of fortunes since its successful Mars Oribiter Mission two years ago, the most affordable in the world, even cheaper than some Hollywood blockbusters. The red planet has been a good omen for larger pursuits, while opening new frontiers to the country's eager space explorers. Scientists in the country are now taking space exploration to a commercial orbit, and are making money in the process. Small satellite launches for other countries and organizations are becoming fiscally viable and the revenue generated is being used to fund more ambitious programmes of Isro, the country's premier space agency. Sustainablity is the key to this largely indigenous programme that has come a long way from modest beginnings in the seventies.
Only Nasa, with 29 satellites, and the Russian Space Agency, with 33, have done better than the Isro during a single launch effort. This event has put the country in a different league in space. It can now call itself a space powerhouse, a superpower, thanks to a spirit of enquiry. Spatial technology can be used here on earth to alleviate poverty, and make lives comfortable for the masses. Application of tech from space will give a boost to research and development. It will generate jobs, and make science more meaningful and real for millions. Space cooperation can also be explored with India's neighbours for common development goals. Large parts of South Asia face poverty and economic distress, and the benefits of India's space achievements should be shared to promote best agricultural practices, predict the weather and prevent disasters. It will help in ecological management and promote sustainable development in a region facing multiple crises. India's giant leap into space is expected to usher in a social and economic revolution in South Asia.