'Mars Mission' will make India major power

A former Indian space scientist has opined that India could emerge as a 'major power' in science and technology if its proposed Mars Mission is turned out to be a success.

“After successful launch of Chandrayan 1, scientists are working on the Mars Mission satellite, which will study the surface. If successful, India can become a major power in science and technology," Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted N Sivasubramanian, former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist, as saying here.

He was in the city to deliver a lecture at the 'Regional Science Congress on Science for Shaping the Future in India' in a college in the city.

On Aug 15, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had made the first formal announcement on the Mars Mission, saying India would send a mission to the 'Red Planet' that would mark a huge step in the area of science and technology.

Dr Mylsamy Annadurai, project director, Chandrayan I, who was present at the event, said China is now the top country in presenting scientific papers and India is in the second slot.