All old civilisations flourished on the banks of rivers as water, food and fresh air were easily accessible there. For thousands of years, human habitat formed around river beds. As populations increased and natural resources ran out, man slowly moved from the river bed to a bit hostile area. Man controlled the atmosphere suitable for him and made colonies in hostile terrains.
Till last century, people were reluctant to go to Canada due to life-threatening cold and lack of resources. Now, Canada is a popular destination. Mt Everest caught the imagination of world when Tenzing Norgay successfuly reached its summit in 1953. It had no oxygen, no food and no communication. In just four decades we have camps on top of Mt Everest. Same with Antarctica and now we have colonies there.
Scientists think same case will happen with Mars in next century or so. Water is already detected there and if one can manufacture oxygen there, it will change the calculation of voyage to Mars and Mars will be reachable for private people.
Amitabh Ghosh, NASA Chair of Science Operation Working Group for tactical rover operation and an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur was in the city, last week. Here are excerpts of the conversation between Ghosh and Vishnudas Sheshrao on space odyssey.
Q: When will Mars be reachable for other than NASA?
A: We have already detected water on Mars. Hence, we do not need to carry gallons of water enough for three years on board spaceships. And if we could manufacture oxygen on Mars and re-usable rockets (launch vehicle) then it will change all the logistic calculations of project and voyage to Mars would be ten times cheaper and easier.
As of now our rockets are use & throw. It is like one travels by air from Mumbai to New York and dumps the plane after a journey. It adds to the cost of travel. The way we use the same plane for years, if the same could happen with rockets, then the voyage to Mars would be affordable and reachable for private individuals.
Q: After landing on Mars, what are NASA’s future projects?
A: We have detected water in the form of ice in few pockets on Mars. Next target is to analyse the water. So we are sending a robot by 2016 on Mars which will collect some pieces ice and heat it in an oven. It will collect the water vapours and analyse the content of water. In other words, it will check whether the water on Mars is drinkable? In 2030, our plan is to get some dust and rocks from Mars for further research.
Q: We have a common belief that water and life are co-existent. Will there be life on Mars?
A: It is common conception that water and life are exist along each other. At least on earth it is true but not necessary on Mars. I am of negative opinion. For me every extraordinary claim needs equally extraordinary proofs. We have no proof of life on Mars so far.
Q: How come in a short span of half century or so, NASA has made such quick progress?
A: NASA is very much ahead in space missions as compared to other countries. It is because the government personally looks into the projects and takes interest in it. The progress is catapult of military competition with Russian in the space after the cold war. NASA has invited talented people across the world and put them on its projects. NASA was earlier part of the military organisation and funding was through military. Naturally, military objectives enjoy confidence of people and government gives funds and resources generously.
Q: How do you see the progress of ISRO?
A: After NASA we could see Indian satellite Mangalyan around Mars. It speaks volumes of progress. It is just next to NASA. In a very short span of time and limited budget and resources, the organisation has earned credibility worldwide. It has been assisting other countries to send their satellite into orbit.
Q: Can Indian-origin scientists come back to assist their own country?
A: Honestly, it is difficult to answer a question because its emotional. But see, your children and mine children (in US) speak the same language and play the same games, so there is no cultural gap now. World is very competitive and everything is possible. If Indian-origin scientists are convinced that there are new responsibilities, good work culture, competitive package and future for their children in their own countries, then surely they will come back, I feel.
Q: How NASA can help ISRO in future progress?
A: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit has propelled the coordination and communication between ISRO and NASA. I learnt that some memorandums of understanding have been signed by US President and Indian Prime Minister to help in each other’s space projects.
Q: How do you guide your juniors in IITs?
A: I had recently observed that most of the IIT students are running after management studies (MBA) immediately after the graduation. I will suggest them, instead of directly going for management studies, one should go for experience and experiments in what they have learned of basic fundaments of subject in graduation. Management is required but not at the cost of fundamental studies.
Second, one should be serious while choosing the course. It is even more serious than that of marriage. In marriage you can divorce, but in academic it’s not easily possible. The chosen course will follow you for the rest of your life.
