Opinion

Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Exploration: Its Economic Trajectory

By Nisha Jha

September 09, 2023

“India’s on the Moon,” as confidently stated by S. Somnath, the Chief of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), summarizes the spirit of Chandrayaan-3, the latest chapter in India’s lunar exploration.

Just like its precursor, Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, this mission is all about learning from the Moon, making discoveries, and even getting an economic boost. Chandrayaan missions are representing India’s ability in space exploration and innovation, symbiotically demonstrating the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Designed and developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Chandrayaan-3 aims to resolve the setbacks encountered during the Chandrayaan-2 mission’s landing module.

Beyond the realm of space exploration, the technological advancements born from Chandrayaan-3’s endeavors hold broader economic implications. Innovations developed for the mission can be applied to terrestrial industries, enhancing processes and products across various sectors.

The primary objective was to successfully achieve a soft landing on the Moon’s surface, particularly focusing on the South Polar Region, which holds crucial scientific interest due to the presence of water and ice.

Beyond its scientific goals, Chandrayaan-3 holds substantial economic implications.

Lunar exploration has the potential to unlock valuable resources such as water and ice, which could be converted into water and breathable oxygen, serving as essential resources for future human space activities.

Additionally, the data and insights gained from Chandrayaan-3 could spark innovation and technological advancements across various sectors, contributing to India’s economic growth and competitiveness in the global space industry.

Chandrayaan-3 stands as a symbol of India’s determination to explore space in exciting new ways, joining hands with other countries, and growing its own science and technology skills.

As the mission moves forward, it’s not just about India becoming a recognized name in space exploration.

It’s also about opening doors to possible benefits for the economy by using space resources and making really new technologies that can help researchers around the globe.

Chandrayaan-3’s economic benefits lie in its capacity to provide crucial data for resource management, technological innovation, and international collaboration.

By delivering detailed insights into the Moon’s surface composition and resource distribution, the mission offers the opportunity to strategically plan future space activities.

This data-driven approach can lead to cost-effective resource extraction, minimizing expenses while maximizing returns.

Such targeted resource management holds the promise of a significant economic advantage as humanity seeks to connect space resources.

One of the significant economic possibilities created by Chandrayaan-3’s data is its commercial potential.

The information collected by the mission’s sophisticated instruments can be a sought-after commodity for industries requiring accurate and real-time space-related data.

This demand could open up revenue streams from businesses involved in satellite communication, Earth observation, and beyond.

In addition to this, success of the moon mission has been bolstered by the contributions of several major companies. Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), and BHEL have played pivotal roles, with L&T providing critical booster segments, HAL offering key components, and BHEL contributing batteries.

The integration of Chandrayaan-3’s data into various commercial ventures could foster innovation, generating economic value through both technology and information.

Beyond the realm of space exploration, the technological advancements born from Chandrayaan-3’s endeavors hold broader economic implications. Innovations developed for the mission can be applied to terrestrial industries, enhancing processes and products across various sectors.

The accessories from space technology have historically contributed to advancements in areas such as materials science, communications, and medical technology, with far-reaching economic benefits.

Chandrayaan-3’s data also paves the way for international collaboration in scientific research and development.

Sharing this information can foster partnerships and cooperative projects with other countries, potentially attracting foreign investment and fostering cross-border economic cooperation.

The collaboration not only strengthens India’s global standing in the space community but also expands economic opportunities beyond national borders.

Furthermore, Chandrayaan-3’s data can play a pivotal role in educating the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

By providing accessible and inspiring data, the mission can fuel interest in related fields, contributing to a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth.

The mission’s impact extends to value-added services derived from its data.

From environmental monitoring to disaster management, the data can serve as a foundation for commercial services that address pressing societal needs, generating both economic and societal benefits.

In a futuristic context, Chandrayaan-3’s data may also play a role in shaping space tourism.

Insights collected from the mission’s data can inform the viability of lunar exploration and space tourism ventures.

Positive findings could attract investments, culminating in the development of space tourism infrastructure, a promising economic sector with boundless potential.

Incorporating Chandrayaan-3’s data into economic strategies presents a dynamic tapestry of opportunities.

Also, it can inspire students, help people get better jobs, and even make space travel a real thing. Overall, Chandrayaan-3 isn’t just about space; it’s about making India’s economy and technology shine brighter in the world.

From informed resource management and technological advancements to global collaboration and education, the mission’s impact transcends its scientific objectives, shaping a future that marries exploration with economic growth and innovation.

In addition to this, success of the moon mission has been bolstered by the contributions of several major companies. Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), and BHEL have played pivotal roles, with L&T providing critical booster segments, HAL offering key components, and BHEL contributing batteries.

Other companies, including Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd, Walchandnagar Industries, and MTAR Technologies, have supplied essential materials and subsystems.

As a result of their valuable contributions, these companies have seen significant stock price increases over the past three years. L&T, HAL, and BHEL have witnessed impressive returns of 170%, 200%, and 172%, respectively according to information received from the Indian news portal.

Moreover, Walchandnagar Industries has experienced a 66% rise, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd has achieved an 83% increase, and MTAR Technologies has observed a 41.2% uptick.

These stock price gains highlight the market’s recognition of the companies’ substantial roles in the success of the lunar mission.

Summing up, Chandrayaan-3 showcases India’s space skills and creativity, fitting well with the ‘Make in India’ idea.

It’s a mix of researching on the Moon and boosting economy.

By exploring the Moon and using its resources, Chandrayaan-3 makes India more famous in space and offers chances for economic gains through smart resource use, new technology ideas, and working together with other countries.

Also, it can inspire students, help people get better jobs, and even make space travel a real thing. Overall, Chandrayaan-3 isn’t just about space; it’s about making India’s economy and technology shine brighter in the world.

(Nisha Jha is a student of Economics at Patan Multiple Campus)