Only the United States, Europe, and Russia have sent the probes that have orbited or landed on the planet.
India launched its first rocket to Mars on Tuesday, aiming to reach the red planet at a much lower cost than successful missions by other nations, positioning the emerging Asian giant as a budget player in the latest global space race.
The Mars Orbiter Mission’s red-and-white-striped rocket blasted off from the southeastern coast, streaking across the sky in a blazing trail, and is scheduled to orbit Mars by next September.
Probes to Mars have a high failure rate and a success would certainly be a boost for Indian national pride, especially after a similar mission by China failed to leave Earth’s orbit in 2011.
Only the United States, Europe, and Russia have sent the probes that have orbited or landed on the planet.
India’s space programme has drawn criticism in a country that is dogged by poverty and power shortages.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2013.
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