India's maiden mission to mars: Many firsts and some missed opportunities in ISRO's efforts at public outreach and communications

Abstract

India's maiden interplanetary mission to Mars has been a technological marvel not just because it was the satellite fabricated in the shortest time in India- in less than 15 months-but also a result of frugal Indian technology made at a cost of INR 4500 million. Yet, at the same time, the hugely symbolic satellite mission has failed to capture the imagination of the country, at least till June 2014. Unfortunately, the public outreach and communication around the mission did not live up to the expectation. The Indian space agency did make a beginning by making a foray into using social media but a burning desire to connect with the people seemed to be lacking. Mission successful, outreach much to be desired, is the outcome so far.