Union Minister of State for Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, celebrated Chandrayaan-3’s success as a resounding declaration of India’s proficiency in cost-effective space endeavors. Speaking at an interactive event in Indore, he underscored the nation’s commitment to conducting space missions with economic efficiency.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that India’s space missions are meticulously designed to be budget-conscious without compromising on quality. Drawing a comparison, he highlighted that the Russian moon mission, which was unsuccessful, incurred costs of Rs.16,000 crore, whereas Chandrayaan-3’s mission, achieving triumphant results, cost just around Rs.600 crore. He alluded to the cinematic realm by noting that even Hollywood films based on Moon and Space Missions can exceed the budget of Rs.600 crore.
“Expanding on the remarkable accomplishment, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared insights into the mission’s techniques. He described how gravitational forces were harnessed, employing a spacecraft’s orbits around Earth to gain momentum and then utilizing the Moon’s gravity to achieve specific orbits before landing at the designated site”.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary initiatives to involve the private sector in research and development efforts. He introduced the “Anusandhan National Research Foundation” Bill, recently passed by the Lok Sabha, with a budget of Rs.50,000 crore over five years. The bill’s implementation, Dr. Singh noted, would be transformative, as it establishes a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) entity where research funding of ₹36,000 crore is expected from the private sector while the government contributes ₹14,000 crore.
He advocated for breaking down barriers between the public and private sectors and fostering collective synergy. Dr. Jitendra Singh urged the nation to move away from relying solely on the government and embrace the successful models demonstrated by other developed countries, where private agencies and industry play a pivotal role in technological advancements.
“Acknowledging the evolving job landscape, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. He credited PM Modi’s policies for the proliferation of startups across various domains, even in governance technology. He noted that the ecosystem now fosters innovation through initiatives like the Mudra scheme, which provides easy loans to the youth without mortgages, further inspiring a culture of invention”.
In a world where innovation and technological progress drive global competitiveness, Dr. Jitendra Singh’s words highlight India’s dynamic approach to staying at the forefront of scientific advancements and economic efficiency.
