[thex86]

Someone commented on Reddit that space programs bring us (the human race) closer. The reaction I am seeing in the international press to India's mars mission is quite the opposite - instead of praising India or just reporting the news, all I see is "BUT THEY ARE SO POOR!" and skepticism. I don't want to say this, but I felt journalists were being almost "jealous" that India achieved this.

[mayanksinghal]

I think the scientists involved would be totally fine with skepticism about technical decisions that they have made on such missions. I would argue that they might even appreciate it when it comes from people who actually understand the subject (instead of having knowledge worth one wikipedia page). But what might discourage them (and disappoints me, for being a citizen of the country in question) is the lack of trust that is being put in space exploration and petty cost-benefit analysis being used. The same analysis that has been refuted a million other times on hundreds of other occasions in all countries and continents.

[kamakazizuru]

yup - I totally dont understand this - why does no one apply this cost-benefit analysis when the US goes to pointless wars for years on end - spending literally TRILlIONS - for something that will have very limited positive outcomes. Especially given the poverty in the US itself - the number of homeless people and foreclosures.

[kamaal]

>>The reaction I am seeing in the international press to India's mars mission is quite the opposite

Indian press was no different. There was 20 minute debate(These guys are still debating if the mission was necessary) on whether the mission was necessary. The next 2 hour prime time news was about Sachin Tendulkar's last test match.

Some channels just gave a passing reference. All that was shown is that ISRO had launched a mars mission with a 20 second clip of the rocket taking off.

There is no popular demand. The general public is not in any position to understand what the mission is or why its important. How much effort was gone into it, and how it was done.

[LionRoar]

Not jealous, just surprisingly misinformed and perhaps narrow minded :) Hope that India is going to work on the communications side of things, exciting times indeed!

[marincounty]

I don't think anyone is jealous. We see the pictures, and we actually care.

[kamakazizuru]

right - and so do Indians I'm very sure - it's just that anyone with an understanding of science and a sound logical ability will know that tooting about how bad the poverty in a country is - when they're achieving something succesful - is anything but "concern". those problems have been there for decades - 70 million worth of toilets isnt going to solve indias sanitation problems. 70 million worth of space missions will inspire 70 million more kids to become scientists and engineers - and drive the country forward.