India is another step closer to having its own global positioning system after putting in orbit its second navigational satellite last week. The satnav system based on seven satellites equipped will provide accuracy up to 20 metres that is vital in wartime, though the “desi GPS” will be mostly regional in scope, its footprint focused mostly on the border and across in the neighbourhood of China/Pakistan, where our threat perception is highest.
The system will not be in place for another two-three years, but given the success rate of our PSLV programme with 25 successive successful launches, it is likely our military capability-oriented GPS will be operational in that time. Only five other nations have such systems.
Our space programme, a matter of national pride, is also aiming higher, including modules that will ultimately put people in space after testing out the GSLV Mk III later this year, besides gearing up a Hubble-type telescope to study worlds beyond ours. With the Mars rover also operating satisfactorily, India can be said to be on a higher plane of scientific and technological capability than it was a decade ago.
Not all the expenditure, running into thousands of crores, is on the military hardware account. Those who eye development more than military might will be pleased with the thirst for knowledge that essentially drives the Mars programme and advanced telescope. Technological advancement is even more essential today, at a time when knowledge is power and innovation is the key to a better life.
