Resource Allocation: Space missions require substantial financial resources, which could be
redirected to more immediate and pressing issues such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, and
education. The funds used for space exploration could instead provide basic necessities for
millions of people living in poverty.
Opportunity Cost: The economic resources and intellectual capital invested in space
missions could be better utilized to address domestic challenges like unemployment,
infrastructure development, and boosting the economy. In a country where a significant
portion of the population struggles to meet basic needs, the opportunity cost of space
exploration is high.
Inequality: The benefits of space missions are often long-term and may not directly impact
the poor or underprivileged in the immediate future. This can exacerbate existing
inequalities, as resources are diverted from programs that could have a direct impact on
improving the lives of the disadvantaged.
Immediate Needs: India faces numerous immediate challenges such as malnutrition, lack of
access to clean water, inadequate healthcare, and educational deficits. Prioritizing space
exploration over these pressing issues may seem disconnected from the urgent needs of the
population.
Public Perception and Social Stability: Investing heavily in space missions while a large
part of the population remains in poverty could lead to public dissatisfaction and social
unrest. People might perceive the government's priorities as skewed, leading to a loss of trust
in leadership.
Economic Prioritization: During times of economic decline, it might be more prudent to
focus on economic recovery initiatives, job creation, and sustainable development projects
that can directly benefit the population and stimulate growth, rather than investing in
expensive space endeavors.
International Comparisons: Critics often compare India with other countries that have
successfully tackled poverty before investing heavily in space exploration. They argue that
India should first address its fundamental developmental challenges before aiming for
ambitious space programs.
1. Chandrayaan Missions
Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India's first mission to the moon, which was a significant
milestone in the country's space exploration efforts.
Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Aimed at exploring the south pole of the moon; however, the
lander failed to make a soft landing.
Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar mission, successfully landing on the Moon's
south pole in August 2023. While a significant scientific achievement, critics argue
that the funds could have been better spent on pressing socio-economic issues like:
o Poverty: A significant portion of India's population lives in poverty. The
resources for Chandrayaan-3 could have been directed toward poverty
alleviation and social welfare programs.
o Healthcare: India's healthcare system faces challenges, especially in rural
areas. The funds could have improved healthcare infrastructure and services.
o Education: Persistent issues in education, such as poor quality and high
dropout rates, could have been addressed with the investment used for the
mission.
o Agriculture: The struggling agricultural sector could have benefited from
financial support, infrastructure improvements, and reforms.
o Unemployment: In a slowing economy, funds could have been used to create
jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Associated Issues:
Poverty: During the launch of these missions, a significant portion of India's
population still lived below the poverty line. Critics argued that the funds could have
been better used for poverty alleviation programs, such as rural development,
affordable housing, and social welfare schemes.
Healthcare: India faces numerous healthcare challenges, including malnutrition, high
infant mortality rates, and inadequate access to healthcare in rural areas. The funds
allocated to space exploration could have been diverted to improving healthcare
infrastructure.
2. Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission, 2013)
A landmark mission, Mangalyaan made India the first country to reach Mars on its
first attempt. It was also one of the most cost-effective Mars missions globally.
Associated Issues:
Economic Growth: The launch of Mangalyaan came during a period when India's
economy was facing challenges, including slowing GDP growth. Critics questioned
the timing of such an expensive mission, suggesting that the funds could have been
used to stimulate economic growth through infrastructure projects, job creation, and
support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Education: India continues to struggle with issues in its education system, including
high dropout rates and poor quality of education in many regions. The argument was
made that investing in education would yield more immediate and widespread benefits
for the population.
3. Gaganyaan Mission (2023)
This is India’s ambitious human spaceflight mission, aiming to send astronauts to
space.
Associated Issues:
Social Inequality: With significant disparities in income, access to resources, and
opportunities across different regions and communities, the expenditure on a human
spaceflight program is seen by some as a misallocation of resources that could instead
be used to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
Unemployment: India faces high unemployment rates, particularly among youth.
Critics argue that the funds for Gaganyaan could be better spent on skill development
programs, employment generation schemes, and entrepreneurship support to address
the issue of joblessness.
4. Aditya-L1 (2023)
A planned mission to study the Sun, focusing on the solar atmosphere.
Associated Issues:
Agricultural Distress: India’s agriculture sector, which employs a large portion of the
population, has been plagued by issues such as farmer suicides, debt, and inadequate
irrigation. The resources spent on space missions could be argued to be more
effectively used in addressing these deep-seated issues in agriculture, which directly
impact the livelihoods of millions.
