In the wake of India’s triumphant Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair highlighted the historical achievement of Indian scientists working on a fraction of the salaries compared to their global counterparts. Nair attributed the low wages at ISRO as a factor enabling the development of cost-effective solutions for space exploration.
Nair emphasized that the dedication and passion of ISRO scientists supersede financial motivations, leading them to live modest lives. He commended their meticulous planning and long-term vision, enabling the cumulative progress of missions by building upon prior knowledge. Notably, the same engine developed nearly three decades ago for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle is still utilized in the GSLV, demonstrating ISRO’s innovative continuity.
India’s reliance on indigenous technology significantly contributes to cost reduction for space missions, with expenses 50 to 60 percent lower compared to other nations. Nair hailed the success of Chandrayaan-3 as a pivotal first step toward India’s planetary explorations, paving the way for enhanced international cooperation and commercial contracts.
Chandrayaan-3’s budget, at just Rs 615 crore, underscores its economical nature, equivalent to a Bollywood film’s production costs. Marking a momentous achievement, India’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the lunar south pole, securing a place among four nations capable of soft-landing on the Moon—joining the ranks of the US, China, and the former Soviet Union.
This achievement marks a historic milestone, propelling India’s space program into an exclusive league while showcasing the nation’s technological prowess on the global stage.
