Advancement in aerospace and India's bid to contest most powerful countries

 

Advancement in aerospace and India's bid to contest most powerful countries 

BY HAJRA BANO

hajrabano1910@gmail.com

In a narrative where power is primarily assessed from a military or economic standpoint, India seems to be unfolding a different storyline marked by rockets, satellites, and unwavering hope. This is not merely about technology; it’s about a nation of 1.4 billion people boldly attempting to dream beyond their hardships—showing the world that true greatness is not crafted from wealth, but rather born out of vision and steadfast resolve.  

THE SPACE ODYSSEY: FROM VILLAGES TO MOON

India’s journey into space began with small aspirations. In 1963, scientists rode their bicycles with rocket parts as they prepped to launch a coconut grove jet in Kerala. Today, ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organization, is now a part of the elite global space research organizations. What led to this success?  

Mangalyaan: In 2013, India earned the title for the first Asian country to reach Mars after the Mangalyaan mission completion, costing $74 million which was less than the movie “Gravity's” budget. The mission went on to inspire millions being a new marvel in the Indian space sector.  

India’s silent space endeavors: After successfully landing close to the moon’s south pole, India began to take the title of the first country to execute this achievement in 2023 with the successful ₹615 crore ($75 million) mission which fell short of NASA's receipts throughout their lunar programs, yet managed to create a worldwide echo.  

Life sustaining satellites: India's satellites do more than observe space—they forecast cyclones, the internet connects to far-flung schools, and there is monitoring of crops. India's proprietary NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellations) system also assists fishermen at sea, which proves that space technology is indeed a necessity and life-giving, and not a luxury. 

But the developing nation which is still combating poverty, how does it justify spending on space? For Indians, space is not an escape luxury, but a decision, a way to give empowerment. 

SKY WARRIORS: INDIA'S FIGHT FOR SELF RESILIENCE 

Tejas: The Underdog Fighter Jet: Tejas has its place in history as India's first indigenous fighter jet. Built over 30 years, it faced counter sanctions and ramped up skepticism over its budget and cost. Despite all this, Tejas is now a core part of the Indian Air Force. 

Drones for Humanity: Startups such as Idea force create drones that transport vaccines and patrol borders. In 2021, engineers who had previously questioned their position in the global tech race experienced a moment of triumph when a drone delivered a COVID-19 vaccine to a mountain village in Manipur.But problems still exist.

 Why do 40% of Indian engineers look for work overseas? What causes delays in projects? In actuality, ambition frequently surpasses infrastructure. However, "Start small, dream big" is the simple motto that drives India's aerospace industry.

THE INVISIBLE CHAIN: BATTLES BEHIND THE STARS 

There is a price for progress. NASA spends fifteen times as much as ISRO, which only has an annual budget of $1.6 billion. In small labs, scientists put in extra hours. 

Bureaucratic Obstacles: India's first manned space flight, the Gaganyaan mission, was postponed for years. However, four astronauts started training in Russia in 2024, proving that delays won't crush hopes. 

Public Skepticism: When a rocket detonates, detractors wonder what India's priorities are. However, after a failure, K. Sivan, the former head of ISRO, once sobbed before saying, *"We will rebuild."

FRIENDS IN THE STARS

NASA & Artemis Accords: India can access lunar research by joining the U.S.-led Artemis program, but sharing sensitive technology raises concerns. 

The Legacy of Russia: Russia continues to be an important partner in everything from astronaut training to co-developing BrahMos missiles. However, India is now diversifying by purchasing French Rafale jets and American drones. By 2025, the India-Japan Lunar Polar Exploration Mission hopes to mine moon resources as part of Japan's Lunar Pact.

THE PATH AHEAD

Gaganyaan (2025): Four Indians will join a select group of countries by traveling to space. 

Space Station by 2035: Zero-gravity experiments could be conducted on a proposed Indian orbital platform. 

Green Aviation: India makes investments in environmentally friendly technology, such as solar drones and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

CONCLUSION 

Why This Is Important 

India's aerospace journey is about demonstrating that no dream is too far away for those who dare, not about outperforming competitors. Mothers praying for their children's safe return from space, students attending satellite-connected schools, and farmers praying for rain forecasts are the driving forces behind every rocket launch. What, then, is required for a country to rise? Not only wealth or influence, but also the guts to look up when others are looking down. We are all left with a question as India gets closer to the stars: If a colonially broken country can reach the Moon, what unattainable dream will you pursue?