Why Mangalyaan could be the moment of shame for some -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why is the Misson to Mars so important? Pride obviously. But that couldnt be the only reason. Learning more about mars? Once again its important but not so much since the probes from NASA, ESA and Russia already have given us many insights. Some jingoism perhaps ? Maybe, but hardly explains it. The fact is that space exploration requires a level of advancement in science, technology and engineering across a very wide variety of disciplines. In terms of near space, ISRO has already had a fantastic success record with 26 consecutively successful satellite launches (each with upto 5 satellites). Going for deep space launches such as to mars, requires more advancements in engineering, deep space telecommunications. And with extremely small margins of error. I think the simple fact that Indians in India with very very Indian constraints (including frugal budgets) were able to pull off something with indigenous R&D, manufacturing and project implementation is a tribute to their skills and efforts. A well deserved congratulations. Frankly this is no mean achievement. For an agency to be only the fourth in the world to actually send a probe into orbit around mars, and being the first one to actually do it in its maiden attempt. Add to it the tight budget constraints which made it do it less than an eigth of the cost of contemporary missions. Its all right for us to feel a momentary sense of pride. But frankly that level of precision, that level of excellence, that level of dedication to science, technology, engineering and people/project management are not always to be found in all of India. For many of us it might be useful to sit back and ask ourselves the question - Is this my moment of shame ? It could very well be, some of us might decide yes. If we or the people we work with are not able to dedicate ourselves to these very standards of research, engineering and management excellence. If the products we build dont work or usually have more than zero known defects. If the services we offer do not meet reasonable SLAs and what is promised. If we cant even be punctual. One could go on and on. Sadly, many of us are used to the products and service around us not being of a quality that would be termed excellent (sub-par would be a better word, though shitty may even better describe a few more). I think if ISRO could shame the rest of Indians into aiming for high levels of excellence, the money spent on this mission wouldve been worth it. Perhaps by many many orders of magnitude. After all if these Indians in India with very Indian constraints could pull it off, why not the rest of us. And all of us could rightfully share the pride without sometimes an accompanying sense of shame.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 06:49:05 +0000
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