PROS:
1. Technological advancement: Mangalyaan-2 showcases India’s progress in space exploration and demonstrates its capability to further develop advanced technology.
2. Cost-effective: India’s space program has a track record of achieving missions within limited budgets, making it a cost-effective option for Mars exploration.
3. Scientific expertise: The mission provides an opportunity for Indian scientists to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the field of Mars exploration.
4. International collaboration: Mangalyaan-2 can potentially foster collaborations with other nations, allowing for the exchange of scientific data and resources.
CONS:
1. Competition from other nations: India’s ambitions in Mars exploration face fierce competition from established space agencies like NASA, ESA, and others, potentially limiting its impact and scope.
2. Limited resources: Given the challenges and costs associated with Mars missions, India’s space program may face resource constraints, potentially affecting the mission’s success and overall impact.
3. Scientific redundancy: Mangalyaan-2 may cover similar ground already explored by previous Mars missions, raising questions about the necessity and originality of the undertaking.
4. National priorities: Critics argue that India should prioritize addressing social and economic challenges within the country rather than investing in ambitious space missions.
India’s space exploration is on the rise. Following successes with Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and Gaganyaan, ISRO, the Indian space agency, is now setting its sights on the next phase – the Mangalyaan mission.