22 July 2012

I'm Dubious that an Indian Probe Will Reach Mars This Decade

Yes, I am aware that the Indians have put satellites in orbit, but their plans for a mars probe seem to be to be over-ambitious:(pdid subscription required)
Indian space officials expect the country's first mission to Mars to receive final government approval soon, with a launch planned for November 2013.

“The project has reached the last phase of approval. Many studies relating to the mission have been completed, and an announcement can be expected soon,” Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman K. Radhakrishnan says.

The U.S. government is expected to give its final approval after NASA 's Mars Science Laboratory lands there on Aug. 6 (EDT), though India's orbiter mission will not be on the same scale as that undertaken by NASA 's car-sized rover.

India's Mars orbiter is expected to be launched from Sriharikota in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The project received a boost in the federal budget for the current fiscal year, which ends March 31, with the government allocating 1.25 billion rupees ($22.6 million).
Not enough money, and not enough time.  I would believe it if they added at least 5 years, and at least 500 million dollars, I'd believe it.

0 comments :

Post a Comment