MANGLAYA NAMAH : MARS ORBITER MISSION (MOM)

There is no end to human endeavour or research.  Some attempts, experiments and discoveries, therefore, do leave an impact.  Launched from Sriharikota on November 5, 2013, India’s Mangalyan  is one such act or happening.  Upon traversing over 650 million kms,  it has scripted history of a different kind. Though, after entering the Martian orbit at 7.55 hrs on 24^th September, India became only the fourth country or agency to achieve the rare feat, the NASA of U.S.A., European Space Agency and RFSA of Russia, the earlier achievers, had actually failed in their maiden attempt.  India, on the contrary, wrote its name in golden letters by becoming the first country to enter the orbit of Mars (515 kms away from its surface) in its very first attempt. Lessons learnt from other missions may have also contributed.     

(2).      Expectations 

The 475 kg Orbiter is slated to take 77 hours or 3.2 Earth days to rotate around Mars over the next six months. Charter is to study its surface and mineral composition.  It will also scan its atmosphere with a view to explore the possibility of Methane Gas which may perhaps give a clue pertaining to life sustaining elements.

(3).       Mystic of Planets

            When I was a child, we were taught about existence of nine planets in the vast Solar System, some with Satellites, some without one. It would appear to be a fascinating and perplexing world. Now with the change of definition of ‘planet’, the number has come down to eight.  Pluto no longer qualifies.  As of now, based on scientific evidence, only Earth is inhabitated  by human beings. It is but natural that every now and then there has been an urge to explore the world beyond the atmosphere of Earth. The urge is awefully expensive but with all the potentials of a high reward.

(4).      Coming back to Mars mission (a side lined activity), India did not want to lag behind a few selected countries.  Having fine tuned its prowess gradually in satellite launches, a mission to Moon was not only launched but successfully accomplished a few years ago.  Close on the heels of this encouraging success story, journey to Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun and the seventh largest, was meticulously planned with a shoestring budget of Rs. 450 Crores ($74 million) as opposed to $ 671 by NASA’s mission to this planet. Owing to distance and little outcome of earlier efforts, there were usual doubts and apprehensions.

(5). Why Mars?

Mars is supposed to be a red planet. The March month derives its name from it.  Revival of interest on voyage to Mars is both due to relatively “Shorter” distance from Earth and the planet being the most favourable place in the Solar system, apart from Earth, for human habitation. It is also interesting to note that the surface area of Mars is about the same as that of Earth, though in size, Earth is bigger.  Its atmosphere is supposed to be colder and dryer.  The planet, visible with an unaided eye at night time has two tiny satellites by the names of Phobos and Deimos.

(6).      Kudos from P.M.

The Prime Minister, donning a red jacket, symbolic of the “red” planet on the occasion of entry of Mangalyan into the orbit of Mars has rightly described the MOM as a Pan-Indian effort.   As per his apt and extempore comments, of the 51 such missions, mere 21 had succeeded and that ensuring the travel of an incredible distance of over 650 million or 65 Crore kms, our scientists have gone beyond the boundaries of human enterprise and imagination. He not only praised their efforts sincerely but also spared sufficient time to shake hands very warmly with almost all of them, even going to the extent of giving autographs on any kind of writing material or surface, they could lay their hands on.  This is something which has never happened at the level of a Prime Minister. It was a precedence of the sorts.

(7).      Latent setback to other players?

The U.S. Government together with the Govt. of China has lost no time in praising the stupendous achievement of ISRO Scientists.  Though they seem to have expressed happiness, yet, the development,  per se,  may not be to their liking. For, it once again shows India in bright light and that the development has  the potential to throw one more challenger to the powers that are supposed to matter, otherwise. The bargaining or blackmailing skills (even if occasional), may get relegated to the background for the time being. Not only the event is a significant landmark in the annals of history, it reflects our strength and commitment to knock at other Planets and celestial bodies, apart from inspiring the Indian Scientists to make even greater strides, in the words of President Pranab Mukherjee.

(8).      Boost to One’s Ability

The mere fact that India succeeded where China failed, is likely to convey a firm and candid message. Once again it has been proved that we do not require any Western assistance in pursuing our scientific aims.  This is also a remarkable success story of a Government enterprise, though enjoying autonomy.  The command, motivation and exemplary team spirit, displayed by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, the ISRO Chairman, has made it happen beyond all odds ever since he floated the idea in November 2009, which had the blessings of Shri A.B. Vajpayee, the former P.M.

(9).      How the space craft will respond in the days to come will have to be closely monitored and analysed.  The images of surface of Mars to be sent by the colour camera of ‘Yan’ will create a good deal of curiosity, apart from providing a lead for further research and investigation. Are they going to be different from the ones beamed earlier?  How long the craft will last, also remains to be keenly seen.  All said and done, it has opened a new frontier for us.