For:
1. Space is an open domain.
Unlike well-established domains like arms production, shipbuilding, oil, etc. no single country can claim to be a leader in space technology. While NASA has thrived on uninterrupted Government funding, the Chinese are rapidly catching up to them in all aspects.
2. Greater security
Satellites orbiting the Earth have been responsible for a lot of important discoveries – the most important being the Global Positioning System [GPS], weather predictions, etc. Developing countries facing threats from external agents can more closely monitor their country as well as its resources through well-planned space missions.
3. Diplomatic leverage
Bold space missions and advances in space technology, one of the most complex sciences to master, draw the attention of the world to developing countries. These triumphant displays of technological excellence allow the nation greater diplomatic status – a quality that is critical in today’s world of intercontinental negotiations.
4. Leads to direct development.
This, in turn, raises the profile of the country as a whole and the benefits are seen in a variety of fields. Foreign investments in the country increase leading to development of real estate, tourism, education among other sectors.
5. Developed countries shouldn’t get the edge.
ISRO is making just as much progress in space as NASA is or China. As there is a very real possibility that we may find solutions to problems that plague us in space, it is imperative that developing countries take the lead and pioneer this revolution. If the developed countries derive these benefits, they will continue to develop further, leaving the developing countries behind.
