On August 23, with Chandrayaan-3’s lander module making a soft landing on the moon, India became only the fourth country after the erstwhile Soviet Union, the U.S., and China to accomplish this achievement. It is a testament to the remarkable ingenuity of Indian scientists that this feat was carried out at a relatively low cost.
The Race to Moon
Resource Not Sole Factor: USSR and China achieved significant space feats despite smaller economies, suggesting resources alone aren't limiting.
Human Resources Impact: Nations like China, India, and Russia prioritized science, reaping space exploration successes from invested scientists and engineers.
Population and Technology: Populous countries' focus on science, technology led to innovation and achievements despite economic disparities with developed nations.
Debate around Moon’s exploration
UAE's Space Success: UAE's space achievements challenge population-driven assumptions, highlighting state role and collaboration in accomplishing ambitious objectives.
Government and Collaboration: State's active involvement, combined with private sector and academic collaboration, overcomes financial constraints and propels space endeavors.
Resource Diversion Debate: Developing economies' space programs questioned for resource allocation, similar concerns exist in developed nations. Yet space missions contribute to knowledge and progress.
Factors responsible for successful mission
Redefining State's Role: Global crises reveal private sector's limitations; state-market partnership needed for innovation. Successful space missions exemplify state competence.
State Intervention: Dichotomy of passive state and market no longer applies. Active state intervention fosters innovation, addressing social and environmental challenges.
Mazzucatto's Perspective: Economist Mazzucatto's research on Apollo missions shows state coordination drives success. Similar approach could address climate change, hunger, fostering inclusive development.