This refers to the editorial, “Shoot for the stars”, (September 29). The successful launch of India’s first astronomy satellite, Astrosat, is yet another achievement of the Indian Space Research Organisation. It is a major scientific endeavour that will allow for a more detailed understanding of the universe, by enabling simultaneous multi-wavelength observations of astronomical objects through a single satellite. Indian scientists must be lauded for their efforts in catapulting the country to the league of the US, Japan and Russia.
For every rupee it has spent, the Isro has given more than two in return. Hence, it is time that the politicians, who are opposed to the Government’s investment in space exploration, stop juxtaposing such high-yielding research projects with poverty figures. The Astrosat mission, preceded by the Mars Orbiter Mission, is much encouragement for the emerging generation of scholars and scientists to undertake research and development at indigenous levels.