A Stellar Example of Cost Optimisation Chandrayaan 3
By Somyata Agnihotri
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615 crores, yes, you heard it right! It is the amount spent by ISRO for Chandrayan 3. Our space research organization is no stranger to making remarkable achievements in the field of space exploration and has been making constant improvements in its technology. Undoubtedly, it has captured the attention of both the scientific community and the public. Adding to your amazement, what makes it truly noteworthy is not just the daring shown by them, but the modest amount invested, which was ten times less in comparison to other international space expeditions. The fact that a mission of such magnitude could be executed for such a meagre fraction of the budget is a remarkable achievement. The second lunar project, Chandraayan 2, had an estimated budget of 978 crores, significantly less than Luna 25, demonstrating cost efficiency and resource optimization. What comes out as a big question mark is how ISRO managed to achieve such an accomplishment. Despite the government's ambitious plans to establish India as a space power hub, there has not been enough funding on their side. Also, the share of GDP allocated to space spending is comparatively low compared to other nations. India stands at 0.4%, ranking seventh in the list. The government's bare minimum expenditure on space expeditions and programs has forced ISRO to demonstrate risk-taking skills and yield dividends. In the realm of space engineering, the cost of failure is exponentially high, and adapting to new technology is not easy. But instead of accepting adversity as their fate, the scientists ventured down the less-travelled path and took calculated risks analyzing each aspect. They adopted a realistic and resourceful approach, achieving feats while staying within their budgetary constraints. They streamlined and designed complex components to be more simplified and easier to handle. The only thing they didn't compromise on was quality. The cost savings were sizeable, as developing and launching a new orbiter would have been a hefty deal costing hundreds of millions of dollars. Instead of draining into initial tasks or unproven tactics, channeling resources into areas where they can be used effectively to yield considerable outcomes. The specter of doubt hovered over the mission, demanding diligent focus, fostering judicious resource utilization, and exploring all possible paths for cost containment without compromising the mission's goals. Every single penny spent on the new endeavor demanded justification through rigorous financial oversight. The failed expedition marked a significant milestone as it shed light on how important it is to prepare a spacecraft to handle parameter variation or dispersion. The adoption of the failure-based system not only increased the success rate of a project but also demonstrated the humility of the scientists. This adaptability and resilience of the scientific community invited admiration for their willingness to embrace imperfections and continuously strive for excellence. The focus is on anticipatory risk evaluation, a detailed evaluation of worst-case scenarios, and the development of needed contingency plans to protect against each one. They recognized that in space exploration, success is not just about planning and executing but also about being prepared for the worst. They designed Chandrayaan-3 taking note of all the possible challenges, including navigation errors, communication disruptions, equipment malfunctions, and more. The communication systems were strengthened to ensure consistent contact even under adverse conditions. One noteworthy mitigation step was the incorporation of fallback mechanisms into the critical system. It ensured that if one failed, the mission could still proceed. The dedicated team of experts continuously assessed, developed, and tested various contingency plans. They were able to enhance the economic feasibility and sustainability of the mission by investing in rigorous risk assessments and the development of parameters. Activities were undertaken to strengthen the communication capabilities, ensuring that even under adverse conditions, the impact of any potential communication failure would be minimized, crucial for transmitting scientific data and ensuring success. India’s low-cost management has proved to be of strategic advantage. The decision of the scientists to indigenize the critical components by collaborating with local startups and companies had a tremendous impact on downsizing the expenses. The emphasis placed on low-cost manufacturing has consistently resulted in technologically sophisticated and economically viable missions. The increasing involvement of in-house manufacturers, suppliers and private players has contributed remarkably to the country's GDP too. It allows ISRO to put the allocated budget to its best use and to ensure that the taxpayer's money is utilized prudently. Talking economically, it means that it led to reduced vulnerability to unnecessary price hikes and currency fluctuations for the imported components, leading to stabilizing the budget and protecting against unexpected financial shocks, which could have cost chunks. Also, one more factor is the low-cost labor model, as labor costs are notably lower compared to other developed countries. Because of this, they can allocate more of their budget to research, development, and execution purposes, resulting in more resources available for innovation, technology development, and space exploration. Talking qualitatively, the commitment shown by the scientists is commendable, as they often choose to work not for financial motives but out of a passion for science and dedication to national pride, allowing the organization to hire highly skilled and talented individuals.
Projects like these have the strength to catalyze economic growth and lay the groundwork for a sea of opportunities in the private sector. This symbiotic relationship between ISRO and the private sector is pivotal for fostering comprehensive growth within the space sector. Private enterprises bring innovation, capital, and a competitive edge to the table, thereby catalyzing technological advancements and increasing the sector's global competitiveness. It is imperative to continue nurturing this partnership and to foster greater public private partnerships. Increasing the budget allocation for space endeavors is crucial as it will empower scientific research, technological advancements, and the pursuit of ambitious space missions. It not only ensures that we remain at the forefront of space exploration but also spurs economic growth, job creation, and innovation, ultimately strengthening our national capabilities and competitiveness in the evolving space sector. The success of this project has undeniably been a gamechanger, serving as a testament to the fact that success is not solely dependent on financial support but, more importantly, on the prudent allocation and equilibrium of resources. Scientists play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, so by rewarding their efforts, organizations can instill a sense of value and purpose in their scientific workforce, which, in turn, leads to increased job satisfaction. Therefore, recognizing and rewarding scientists is not just an act of appreciation but a wise investment in the progress and success of any organization. The mission has provided valuable insights into several essential management skills. In this endeavor, the project team operated within a flat hierarchy, discarding the traditional cabin culture. Taking calculated risks is a concept that is integral to project management. The inherent complexities and uncertainties demand a prudent evaluation of potential rewards versus risks. Another critical lesson is the necessity of proactive preparedness. Chandrayaan 3 exemplifies the importance of foreseeing and planning for worst-case scenarios. Rigorous testing and simulations are indispensable in mitigating risks and ensuring mission success highlighting the significance of introspection, where organizations must analyze previous missteps to refine future strategies. The clear vision and unwavering determination of the team underline the rewards of learning from setbacks and turning them into steppingstones toward success. Among the most crucial takeaways is the significance of maintaining unwavering faith and confidence while consistently pushing forward. Regardless of the challenges, the key is to persist. It's vital to adapt, innovate, and refine strategies. In space exploration, resilience and a determination to continuously improve ensure that we learn from each mission's unique challenges and continue to reach for the stars. The mission highlights the significance of not being deterred by past challenges but using them as steppingstones to greater achievements. This endeavor exemplifies the indomitable spirit of human exploration, where each endeavor contributes to our collective pursuit of knowledge and progress.
References
T, D. K., I. (2023, August 23). Extracting Project Management Insights from Chandrayaan 3.
Bhosale, K. (2023, July 16). These are the listed companies behind the successful launch of Chandrayaan 3 mission; do you own any?
Kartik, A. (2023, July 11). Chandrayaan 3: How India is fuelling its space economy as more private players enter the sector.
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