Introduction
Its been a hectic few weeks - pulling resources together, convincing "the team", telling ones ownself this can really happen going - all the way through to truly comprehending the challenge that GLXP is.

On the other side of the fence, once the registration is done, it appears all very different - there were things one expected to fall into place, which didnt, then there was the unexpected support from people who you least expected the encouragement from - overall it has been positive, so yes Team Indus is at a happy place at this point.

I had originally expected this Blog to be more about technology and the strides we make there - however on the other side it is evident technology is just one small part of the entire exercise, so this one is to everything that's happened post registration!

The Registration
One of the primary reasons for our participation was the fact no other Indian teams were on the roster, and GLXP wouldnt really have been a global competition if a-sixth of the world's population werent represented, so yes we got ourselves the ticket.

We learnt from GLXP of the limited interest they had received up until our application from the India, however we were pleased to see the immediate, positive and passionate reaction from all and sundry the moment our team was announced, so all was not in vain.

Media Attention
We didnt expect much media attention, but managed to get quite a few enquiries to meet up and present ourselves, I must say we were pleasantly surprised on that account.

We havent yet sent out the Media kits, its in the works and is expected to be worth your wait - your support and interest is much appreciated. The proposed release of information to our local media is being structured and we hope to hold your attention for the next few years as we go about putting together the pieces of this puzzle.

People around us
Well the way we describe our initiative to friends and family is - "you will find our new project either ridiculously incredible or incredibly ridiculous depending on which way you look at it". I guess the ones who didnt get back to our intro emails took the second viewpoint and are just being polite, we hope we can win them over in due course. For those who came out in support, some offered contributions despite concerns - we assure you, we will see this through to the end.

Internally there are suggestions of launching even if all prizes are won and some suggesting we launch even if the GLXP 5yrs are over - all nice ideas, but I would rather strategize how to get this done within the specified time frame and hopefully before all prizes have gone away.

Kids, the next generation
Families around us are excited and buzzing, rather unexpectedly, its possible they arent aware of how much time this is going to take up going forward, we will let them discover that on their own - as in, we wont try to fix that till it actually breaks. Kids of most core team members' are in primary school and they have been busy making cards & posters, actually throwing parties, generally talking about how the next destination is the moon and much more - by the time we are ready to launch, these kids would have grown up and I hope we can hold their imagination and justify their exuberance even then.

On reaching out to all citizens of the next generation, a strategy that encompasses online networks, social media, conventional media is in the works and we expect to work directly with schools starting the next academic year in July.

Technology
When one does start off with planning, especially planning something new it all seems much simpler than what it really is - so yes, this is not likely to happen in 2years, and now I know why Will asked me this same question 3 times over :)

Although there still are variables in the project plan we are now targeting a 36-42 month lifespan, the scheduling & cost of the launch vehicle itself has not yet been factored in, I know thats the big stumbling block! We are looking for contributions, ideas, suggestions and support on the Technology front, I invite all to contact us for collaboration & participation opportunities.

Funding
We met with several potential investors, the consistent question remains how do you monetize this initiative going forward - the eternal question, if I may say so - we have a theory that we are going to try out over the next 90days. We have reason to believe the theory is going to work, and if it does work we have reason to believe it will be worthwhile to "invest" with the spirit, energy, innovation that Team Indus brings to the table.

I signoff with yet another gem from Swami Vivekananda ~
"Are great things ever done smoothly? Time, patience, and indomitable will must show."

Thank you for your time, until our next post!

Sincerely
Rahul Narayan
Founding Member & Mission Crew,
Team Indus