By Lynn
India launched first mission to Mars
Many of people watched the rocket launching from the east-coast island of Sriharikota on live TV.
India will become the 4th nation to visit Mars after the Soviet Union, the United States, and Europe if the mission is successful.
The Mangalyaan will travel 485 million miles over 300 days to reach an orbit around Mars next September. It will gather images and data that will help understand weather system and in Mars and whether there is water in Mars or not. It will also search for methane, a key chemical in life process.
Some have questioned the $1 billion space program in India where 1.2 billion people are still dealing with widespread hunger and poverty. However, the goverment defended the space mission by noting its importance in providing high-tech jobs for scientist and egineers and practical applications in solving probelms on Earth.
Raghu Kalra of the Amateur Astronomers Association Delhi said these missions are important because theu will give Indians happiness and bragging rights. He also said that even a poor person will feel a sense of pride for his country and will want to make it a better place for the fact that his country is sending a mission to Mars.
I agree with Kalra's idea. The missions cost a lot and it seems that there is no direct benefit for commom people. However, it would bring possitive atmosphere to the people in the country. The technology can also solve everyday problems like weather forecasting in the near future.
Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/11/05/india-mars-mission/3440267/
By Vanilla Tang
ReplyDeleteIn my opinon,I didn't agree with Kalta's idea totally.From his announcement,it's more about a country's sense of honor,but not considering more about common people's necessity.I also agree that high-technology will bring people a large amount of advantages.
by Corentin
ReplyDeleteI think that Indian people can agree with this project only if they don't realize what it means. If they know concretely what it means and what they can afford with this money, problem could appear.
by Elaine
ReplyDeleteI think any counrty will do something aiming at showing off,which is a necessary show-off.
The significance of a country showing its technology power is to indirectly prove it has not merely high level intelligence but also owns qualified industry and strong enough economic power to accomplish those tasks. The success will definitely impress the world and thus its international position can be raised up several levels.The result will in return impose a positive effect on economy since countries seeking to cooperate will consider it as a potential alliance and previously hostile countries may change their policy considering its growing strengh.