This refers to the Q&A with Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) Chairman K Radhakrishnan "Success of Mission will help us compete globally" (September 27). India has won Asia's Mars race. And this is not only a proud moment for the nation, but for the entire South Asia. There is, however, a lop-sided argument that India is a poor nation, so why should so much money be spent on such missions. The answer is that space technology helps the nation. We talk about mobile phones and global positioning system. Can all these be possible without satellites? Weather satellites help in predicting tsunamis, monsoon, cyclones, floods and so on. Space technology also helps farmers through regular weather updates. After becoming the first nation to send a satellite into Martian orbit in its maiden attempt, we should now look at sending astronauts to the moon and setting up an Indian space station. The critics should also remember that space technology is vital for safeguarding our borders
Deendayal M Lulla Mumbai
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