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By Mihar Dias Copyright (C) August 2023
India's recent accomplishment of achieving a soft landing on the Moon has ignited both awe and inspiration around the world.
Also, it is something that all Malaysians should ponder over the billions that have gone to waste through pilferage that could have funded our own lunar missions.
The successful endeavour, announced by the Indian space agency, ISRO, marks not only a historic milestone but also a striking testament to India's ingenuity in space exploration - all at a cost that is remarkably lower than the budget of some Hollywood blockbusters.
With the Chandrayaan-3 mission's budget of approximately 6.15 billion rupees (USD$75 million), India has demonstrated its ability to achieve remarkable feats on a budget that pales in comparison to the price tags associated with major films and extravagant properties.
To put things into perspective, this accomplishment was achieved for less than the cost of producing cinematic marvels like "Gravity," "The Martian," and “Interstellar.”
These movies, with their astounding visuals and captivating narratives, cost hundreds of millions of dollars each to create, making India's lunar mission achievement even more astonishing.
Furthermore, the budget of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is less than what was allocated for India's previous lunar endeavor, Chandrayaan-2, which unfortunately ended in failure
This frugal yet effective approach reflects India's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, as the lessons learned from the earlier mission were seamlessly integrated into the latest venture.
India's focus on cost-effective space exploration is not just a matter of financial prudence; it is a strategic decision that aligns with the country's broader objectives.
As India looks to position itself as a player in the global space industry, it recognizes the importance of showcasing its ability to achieve substantial milestones while optimizing resources. This approach echoes India's larger efforts to foster private investment in the space sector and encourage the growth of satellite-based businesses.
What is particularly intriguing is that the entire cost of India's lunar mission is akin to what commercial space leader SpaceX charges for just one Falcon 9 launch - a mere USD$67 million.
This comparison underscores the remarkable efficiency and resourcefulness of ISRO in achieving its space ambitions while maintaining a strict budget.
India's journey to the Moon is a reminder that groundbreaking accomplishments can be achieved without astronomical budgets.
By achieving the extraordinary on a shoestring budget, India's space agency has become a beacon of inspiration for countries around the world, Malaysia included.
As the realm of space exploration continues to evolve, India's success stands as a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and smart resource management.
It serves as a beacon of hope for nations aspiring to venture beyond our planet, demonstrating that the pursuit of knowledge knows no financial boundaries.
We, too, could do likewise had we been more careful about pilferage. The loss over 1MDB alone could have funded a few trips to the Moon and back.
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