“INDIA IS ON THE MOON”

S. Somanath, Chairman, ISRO

INDIA IS ON THE MOON

AN INTERVIEW REVIEW BY

AAKASH JOSHY
 exclusive

AND

Gareeb Scientist S. Somanath

Indian YouTuber Chairman, ISRO

1:29 -2:32

listen to the podcast on

https://bit.ly/3LaR08D
 REVIEW
In the realm of life's journey, monumental lessons often
emerge from our most significant missteps. Admittedly,
failures can cast a pall of disappointment, yet concurrently,
they serve as gateways to profound insights. Labeling them
as mere 'failures' is a misnomer. Rather, they encapsulate a
treasury of invaluable lessons and experiences, catalyzing
our process of learning, relearning, and ultimately, the
pursuit of perfection. Notably, every groundbreaking
invention or monumental discovery stands as a refined
culmination of prior lessons, often wrapped within the
cocoon of 'failures'. The journey of Chandrayaan-2, for
instance, likely furnished ISRO scientists with a profound
learning experience. From this experience, they not only
identified potential shortcomings but also unveiled the
pathway to an impeccably 'perfected' solution."

S. Somanath stands as a prime example, meticulously

scrutinizing every minute detail that marred the previous
mission's trajectory. He now stands poised for a triumphant
resurgence, leading the charge in the eagerly anticipated
Chandrayaan-3 endeavor. The mission is scheduled for a
momentous launch on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan
Space Center (SDSC) nestled in the spindle-shaped confines
of Sriharikota—an island along Andhra Pradesh's eastern
coastline. A momentous ambition propels this mission: India's
bold endeavor to achieve a lunar landing on the enigmatic
expanse of the Moon's south pole. A feat hitherto
unparalleled in the annals of space exploration, such an
achievement eludes the grasp of any nation on Earth.
Triumph here would not merely mark India's entrance into
the elite group of lunar explorers, but also etch its name as
the first nation to achieve a south pole landing. The success
of Chandrayaan-3 carries multifaceted importance—
enhancing India's standing in the global space arena and
fostering a reservoir of confidence to fuel forthcoming
projects. As S. Somanath aptly encapsulates, 'These missions
are intrinsically linked; each success bolsters our capabilities
for the next challenge.'

Looking ahead, the future of ISRO gleams with promise,

poised to ascend even higher as its legacy of successful
launches continues to flourish. S. Somanath has illuminated
the path forward, offering a glimpse into ISRO's forthcoming
pursuits, including the renowned Mars Orbit Mission, fondly
dubbed Mangalyaan, and the enigmatic Mission to Venus,
popularly christened Shukrayaan. Embarking on a trajectory
of lunar exploration, ISRO's Lunar Polar Exploration Program
(LuPEX) stands as a testament to its ambitions. But as
Somanath humbly clarifies, LuPEX remains in the realm of
ongoing discussions and developmental planning. Yet, this
lunar odyssey merely scratches the surface of ISRO's
aspirations. Emerging avenues encompass everything from
delving into exosolar planets, dissecting aeronomy
intricacies, to unraveling gravity fields, all woven into the
fabric of its scientific pursuits. In Somanath's own words,
"Our focus isn't confined solely to lunar horizons; we're
threading through the cosmos, embracing diverse avenues
of scientific exploration."

I wholeheartedly support ISRO's steadfast endeavors to

strike a balance between cost-efficiency and remarkable
achievements within the realm of space exploration.
It's undeniable that these space missions assume a pivotal
role in propelling India's trajectory of growth within the
domain, subsequently contributing to the nation's
overarching development and global stature. One aspect
that particularly resonates with me is ISRO's
conscientiousness in treading the budgetary path judiciously,
meticulously tailoring the costs of each mission to align with
prudent expenditure. This is of paramount significance,
considering India's status as a developing nation, where the
populace grapples with the challenge of fulfilling their daily
needs. The prudence exercised in channeling resources for
space exploration while being mindful of the broader socio-
economic context indeed highlights the organization's
sagacity and responsibility.

Addressing the pivotal question of engaging India's

burgeoning youth in the nation's cosmic expeditions, S.
Somanath underscores the organization's consistent efforts
to disseminate accurate mission data via its official website
and social media platforms. This outreach, he acknowledges,
aims to ignite the spark of curiosity and fascination for
space exploration among the younger generation. However,
a more introspective perspective unveils a subtle nuance.
The sentiment conveyed suggests that while ISRO remains
ardently committed to its mission objectives, the potency of
its social media engagement could be enhanced. While
Somanath's emphasis on mission completion is unequivocal,
there exists a resonance in the plea for a direct, authoritative
channel to quench the thirst for authentic information
regarding India's burgeoning space industry. The need
becomes apparent to bridge the information gap and offer a
verified conduit directly from ISRO's desk.
Such a conduit could herald new horizons, fostering greater
investments, both domestic and international, while
concurrently stoking the flames of curiosity among young
minds. The aspiration to bolster India's stature in the cosmos
remains tangible—after all, today's youth shape tomorrow's
destiny. To echo Amish Tripathi's sentiments, "The youth of
today are the inheritors of the liberalization era, destined to
steer India toward greatness once again. Challenges may
seem insurmountable, but with the right mindset, every
hurdle shall crumble beneath our will."
SOURCES
ChatGPT
chat.openai.com

YouTube
https://bit.ly/3YX1Ip3

Transcript
https://bit.ly/3Plv6BZ

Interview
https://bit.ly/45Wb0nh