By Lucky Gold, CNN
Imagine a world where a new race for outer space – with new players – has achieved lift-off.
Over fifty years ago, U.S. President John F. Kennedy announced America’s intention to beat the Soviet Union to the moon.
Today, a spacecraft was rocketed into orbit, the first stage in an ambitious mission to mars. But it wasn't launched by the United States or Russia.
The un-manned spacecraft was launched by India – for the relatively bargain-basement cost of $73 million.
It is scheduled to reach the red planet sometime next year, where it will conduct scientific experiments.
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While some say India should spend its treasure feeding its children – among the most malnourished on earth – India is also a global economic power, in open competition for research and resources.
China, one of India’s chief competitors, has been sending manned missions into space for over a decade; not only with plans for a permanent space station, but a manned landing on Mars by mid-century.
From a one-man space program under construction in a backyard in Uganda, to South Africa's commitment to send its third satellite over the rainbow, to a joint space initiative between up and coming power Brazil and Russia – the race is on and the sky is no longer the limit.