Truth be told, space mission continues to be vulnerable. Be it a project worth $200 million to prove one’s technological prowess to the world or a mission worth $74 m trying to cement its capability to tackle logistical nightmares. Space exploration remains difficult.
The failure of an unmanned rocket mission by NASA – US Space Agency- and a maiden success of an indigenously made unmanned robotic mission by ISRO – India Space Agency - stands as a testimony that it takes a lot more than money to steadily discover a solution to successfully land in space. Even though the world celebrated India’s impressive foray into space tastelessly,
The so called ‘vehicle anomaly’ by Orbital Sciences has turned out to be a catastrophic failure for NASA, one of the dozens of failed launches that the country has faced in last 57 years. Though no one can forget July 20th, 1969 when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon stepping out of NASA’s Apollo 11. The mission helped NASA move ahead of its baby stage.
Clearly, the small battle stars of the 21st century are nudging for the top slot with the large, heavy triumphant of the 20th century.
Yet, there is no single ruler of the space expedition.
World’s attempt to rule the roost
September 24, 2014 marked India’s presence in Mars. Both Russia and the US failed in their maiden attempts. The first Chinese mission to Mars, called Yinghuo-1, failed in 2011 alongside the Russian Phobos-Grunt mission with which it was launched. Earlier in 1998, the Japanese mission to Mars ran out of fuel and was lost. Moreover, Dec. 6, 1957, marked America’s first attempt to launch a satellite into orbit, and it was not successful.
Antare’s Aftermath
- Launched from NASA facility in Virginia
- Rocket was carrying supplies for the scientists in International Space Station
- Unmanned cargo rocket owned by Orbital Corporation exploded on take off
- Exploded after 6 seconds of launch
- Material damage & no loss of life