Doen't tech get progressively difficult to master with increasing complexity ? I think it does. Which is why the development of the Astra AAM was said to be more complex that the development of ballistic missiles. The miniaturization and complex fabrication/shielding processes involved in dealing with tiny components makes a seemingly easy task very difficult in practice.
Compared to modern rocketry the likes of SLV and ASLV are relative simple tech. This is not to say that the scientists of the past haven't achieved extra ordinary feats within the constraints they worked in, this is just to remind that the ones of the present are no under achievers. I often come across this feeling that the scientist of the past are eulogised because of the general lack of any other research in India at that time and the scientist of the present are forgotten often demonised for failures. I've seen the reaction Dr. K. Sivan received after the CY-2 crash landing, how many times has the SLV crashed ? Why wasn't Dr. Kalam demonised for it ?
Also do remember before quoting the likes of Vipin Narang that it his him and his lot who doubted the accuracy of Indian BMD missiles for a long time up until the ASAT test. That sort of altered the balance. Now he says Indian BMD doesn't have the range to hit MEO, GEO sats. Its not just BMD, he doubts all of DRDO's achievements. Some people carry the general mindset that "If its Indian, there is something wrong with it".
Of course Dr. Saraswat makes a lot of political comment and he is targeted because of it. It would've been a lot better for scientists to not comment on politics, but I will continue to hold him at a high regard despite of it.
