The subject of outer space has changed. Even 20 years ago, the so-called “space race” was still between the Russians and the Americans. Their geopolitical rivalry rather than the pure science of space exploration was what drove their efforts. The Soviets launched the very first satellite in 1957 and four years later put the first man, Yuri Gagarin, into orbit. That achievement prompted President John F. Kennedy to vow the Americans would be the first to put a man on the Moon.
Now China and India, Japan and the EU are all pursuing their own space programs. Last year, to intense national pride, the Chinese put their first man in space. India’s space efforts are not that far behind. A manned mission is scheduled in four years’ time. It is unlikely Saturday’s loss of communications with its first lunar orbital satellite, Chandrayaan-1 will impede the plans of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). But it ought nevertheless to give pause for thought, not just to New Delhi but to all countries that are either already established in space or contemplating the major technological and logistical effort of getting there.
For all space nations, there has to be a fine line between demonstrating such technical and scientific expertise and pressing on alone with their own space programs without reference to other countries. To be fair to the ISRO, it has promised to share all the lunar data gathered with others. Indeed the Chandrayaan-1 also carried US and European equipment. In the end the exploration of other planets and the exploitation of what resources they might offer, is too big a task for any one nation to undertake. That is why the International Space Station, to which the space shuttle Discovery finally blasted off Saturday, remains the best template for the way the people on the Earth, working together can tackle the immense challenge of space.
At best India might seek to capitalize on its launch capacity by taking up satellites for other countries. The Russians, who launched India’s first satellite in 1975, are already the most advanced at such commercialization. Besides marketing space rides for those rich enough to afford them, they are also, it was revealed this week, in talks with the Europeans and the Canadians about selling them Soyuz space craft for use in manned missions. Space is expensive and such deals defray the costs.
It has been argued that with its millions of poor, India can ill afford the $79 million spent on this lunar mission. But this is to suggest that this sum of money was actually shot into space in the Chandrayaan satellite. In fact, of course, it was spent productively, largely in India and as with every other national space effort, has boosted the local technology base. That is arguably of more value than the intense pride most Indians have taken in the lunar mission.
India is following China closely into space, which is fine. But it would be utterly wrong if Delhi and Beijing are secretly intent on their own new space race.
