Active Stocks
Thu Mar 28 2024 15:59:33
  1. Tata Steel share price
  2. 155.90 2.00%
  1. ICICI Bank share price
  2. 1,095.75 1.08%
  1. HDFC Bank share price
  2. 1,448.20 0.52%
  1. ITC share price
  2. 428.55 0.13%
  1. Power Grid Corporation Of India share price
  2. 277.05 2.21%
Business News/ Opinion / A 50-year odyssey
BackBack

A 50-year odyssey

From remote sensing to telecommunications, space scientists have done much to help India develop economically

A file photo of Indian Space Research Organisation’s Bangalore campus. Photo: Hemant Mishra/MintPremium
A file photo of Indian Space Research Organisation’s Bangalore campus. Photo: Hemant Mishra/Mint

Fifty years ago on Thursday, India took its first fledgling steps towards space. The country’s first sounding rocket was launched that day from the sleepy village of Thumba in Kerala.

It has not looked back since then.

It is often argued that but for the massive technology denial regimes in place globally, India would have marched far ahead.

We differ. That block spurred generations of Indian scientists—from Vikram Sarabhai to Satish Dhawan to the space leadership now—to do what was needed: innovate.

India is often criticized for indulging in “prestige projects" while a large number of its citizens remain mired in poverty. That is a wrong characterization of our space odyssey. From remote sensing to telecommunications to mapping of resources, space scientists have done much to help India develop economically.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
More Less
Published: 22 Nov 2013, 12:35 AM IST
Next Story footLogo
Recommended For You
Switch to the Mint app for fast and personalized news - Get App