EVERY time Pakistan test-launches a Shaheen or India an Agni, subcontinental testosterone levels shoot sky high. The fiery plumes carry aloft a nuclear-capable missile that can lay a city to waste. Iranians, though not nuclear, have their Ashouras, Emads and Shahabs. As for the North Koreans, they celebrate with fireworks and street parties when their Little Rocket Man sends up an ICBM to annoy the Deranged Dotard who, in turn, threatens them with total annihilation.
Mirza Ghalib, while fondling his goblet of wine and reciting his bazeecha-i-atfal, might have taken an elevated view of these antics. But, strictly from a scientific and engineering point of view, are missiles worthy symbols of national prowess? What does it take to make one of these things? And, over the decades, how has missile technology progressed?
The era when rocket science was rocket science is over. At least for offensive missiles, the technology does not need the genius of Werhner von Braun, Hitler’s legendary rocket scientist who nearly brought Britain to its knees with his V-1 and V-2 missiles. These were such a breakthrough that the US took von Braun and other Nazi rocket scientists to the US after the war and put them to work building rockets — military and civilian. The Soviets did similarly.
Missiles like Shaheen or Agni are minor technical feats but testing them helps create war psychosis.
While space vehicles, satellite launchers, and missile defence systems remain at the cutting edge of technology, the design and production of missiles that can traverse even thousands of miles is now fairly mundane engineering stuff that can be studied from commonly available textbooks with titles such as Supersonic Missile Ballistics, Missile Engineering Handbook, etc. Consider, for example, how navigation systems have changed.
Back in the early 1970s, guiding a city-busting missile to its target 10,000 kilometres away depended critically upon rapidly spinning, super-sophisticated gyroscopes levitated by magnetic bearings. These were also crucial to the development of multiple independent re-entry vehicles (MIRV) technology. A single MIRVed missile with thermonuclear warheads can destroy several cities.
In an idle moment, I looked around to see what’s up with gyroscopes these days. Like many other physicists, I’ve always had a soft corner for them because of the tantalising motion of spinning tops; this has been the topic of some famous physics PhD theses. Plus, I’ve had a special interest ever since I was briefly arrested in 1972 — and then released — for being among the students demonstrating against the development of ICBM gyroscopes by MIT’s Draper Labs.
Some internet browsing told me that, with the invention of the laser gyroscope, today’s best gyroscopes don’t gyre at all! The intricate electromechanical stuff has been replaced with cheaper and more robust circulating laser beams all neatly packed into a matchbox-sized unit. This feeds into the missile’s onboard computer. Multiple suppliers compete to give you the best and cheapest product. Export controls can presumably be overcome because laser gyroscopes are dual-use technologies that are equally good for commercial satellites or aircraft navigation.
From navigation and propulsion to stabilisation and terminal guidance, every aspect of missile systems is now at one’s fingertips. So, for example, using a commercially available computer programme called MATHCAD-15, an engineer can — all without leaving his desk — see how a rocket’s performance changes upon making small adjustments to the body design, shape of fins, size of the exhaust nozzle, etc. Similarly, and again virtually, one can substitute one chemical rocket propellant for another to see which would be the most suitable for a given weapon.
To their dismay, the countries that had pioneered ICBMs — the United States being the foremost — are now finding themselves vulnerable targets. It is much harder to defend a country against missiles; at best, such defence can only be partial. On the other hand, many little rocket men in many countries now make many kinds of rockets of many shapes, sizes, performance levels, and designed to carry many kinds of payloads. Giants are unneeded where pygmies can do the lifting just as well.
But what is presently easy will soon become dramatically easier. Experts are seeing third and fourth revolutions up ahead where one can literally ‘dial a missile’ — ie design and build missiles tailored to very specific battle requirements. This owes to rapid advances in an area of manufacturing technology called 3-D printing.
3-D printing has already crossed infancy and is revolutionising the production of things as diverse as jewellery, car parts, and computers. Two years ago, students at the University of California in San Diego built and successfully launched a 3-D printed model rocket. The US and British navies now use 3-D printers on aircraft carriers at sea to produce customised drones. More sophisticated printers will allow the manufacture of high-end rocket engines and key missile parts.
None of this comes for free. The poorest must foot the bill. Take North Korea whose missile programme is more advanced than Pakistan’s. It has also tested a hydrogen bomb which, for Pakistan, is still far away. But the United Nations reports chronic malnutrition in under-five children there — 33 per cent overall and 45pc in the northern part of the country. South Korea, which shares a common language and a common border, has a per capita GNP that is 15 times larger.
Contrary to what the armed forces of any country or their missile men would have us believe, to kill at will and to kill en masse no longer requires valour or extraordinary technical prowess. Looking around, one sees another fact: the poorer a nuclear country, the richer and more powerful its generals and political leaders.
Let the truth be told — the real purpose behind launching missiles and then dancing to their success is to create war psychosis. Only the naive and uninformed are impressed by missile-making and missile-testing. From the point of view of science, these are low-level achievements, a mere consequence of technology in the service of destruction. Countless peacefully directed technologies are more challenging in technical terms — and much more needed. Why our supposedly rational species still seems to prefer war, pain, and death instead of peace, happiness, and life remains a mystery.
The writer teaches physics in Lahore and Islamabad.
Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2018
Comments (95) Closed
Such a brilliant write-up that can sink many an ego. "Looking around, one sees another fact: the poorer a nuclear country, the richer and more powerful its generals and political leaders." Looking at weapons as some kind of scientific achievement is to clutch at straws.
Always a voice of reason Mr. Hoodbhoy is. Rocket science is no longer rocket science. Well said sir.
wonderful.
Sir, you are correct most part. India also has a robust space program that launches number of PSLV rockets as much as twice that of missiles each year. hope you won't disagree. I vote for peace.
Well written thoughtful article. War by itself has become a major economic stimulant and a curtain of diversion for political leaderships
The last para has it all.
As always u are too good and rational in an irrational environment. Keep writing good stuff. Stay blessed.
Let truth be told! I am always amazed with the knowledge and the timing of your articles. Let your perspective not just limited to pak, but be it global. Would be Happy to shake your hand some time in future.
Valid point sir. Unfortunately, as long as the people in both countries continue to dance to such news, the political and military leaders will keep milking it. The world's top 3 happiest countries, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland don't have big armies or inter-continental missiles, they just have quality education system and a belief in the goodness of humanity. People in Pakistan and India are willing to lose one arm if it can get them two from the others.
Nice article. Peace
Nice article! Can I say Sanity unlimited?
As usual, a sensible article by Mr.Pervez Hoodbhoy. Why can't we have more of such people writing from Pakistan.
Great article.
Much to think about
Cannot agree more. As usual good words will be ignored. Great one by author. Looks like missiles testing is simpler thing to do than producing abundant electricity
Quote of the day: 'the poorer a nuclear country, the richer and more powerful its generals and political leaders."
Brilliant. May your word spread far & wide.
Once again a masterpiece from Pervez Hoodbhoy. Please keep writing such articles.
The poorer a nuclear country, the richer and more powerful its generals and political leaders. Well said Sir
An insightful and educational read
Excellent articulation of facts versus what needs to be the priorities in sustaining and advaning human life
The basics are that when one country is threatened constantly, then missiles will be developed, all around. Between India-Pakistan, it is the Kashmir issue, resolve that the missiles disappear.
Thought provoking article
Good read, thank u Dr.Pervez. One of the few sane voices across the border.
Very well written. This is just a game of "mine is bigger than yours"
A wonderful article.
This must have hurt a lot of egos.
Excellent analysis. Thanks DAWN.
Sir! A STANDING SALUTE AND OVATION! Remarkably well written and SO MUCH practically true!
You sir open our eyes with preciseness yet comprehensiveness of your brilliant articles!
Superb! I’m so much enlightened about this division of the war industry and so will all who read this. Thank you dr sahib! You are a prized asset of this nation.
Dr Hoodbhoy, as usual my respect to you Sir for writing such a hard hitting article, why waste money on unnecessary toys when half of the population are so poor that they cannot afford a decent meal. Also the last para such all, generals and politicians are so rich that we cannot imagine their wealth and they still want more.
Bow down with respect sir!! I am your big fan. You are not only an asset for Pakistan but whole humanity. May the good sense prevail in humans.
Superbly analytical and informative write up from Dr Hoodbhoy as usual. As you say, only if human beings spent so much energy and ingenuity for peace and happiness.
Beautiful piece!
This says it all: "the poorer a nuclear country, the richer and more powerful its generals and political leaders."
Hats off to Pervez Hoodbhoy , the Bertrand Russel of our times !
Love this guy
another excellent article from the professor, quite frankly people like him need to lead this country. He is light years ahead of all of our leaders. His knowledge and talent needs to be harnessed in a leadership role.
Hear hear! This deserves a standing applause!
Excellent article :)
Quote of the day: 'the poorer a nuclear country, the richer and more powerful its generals and political leaders. "
I think in end only the 3rd world countries will survive...
Very informative article
As ever, you throw up original questions and call a spade a spade sir. You are very admired globally as well as in my country as voice of distilled reason and wisdom!!
Great article!
Brilliant as usual. Proud of you sir!
Well written !
Agreed !
logical
What a great article. We need more people like dr. Hoodbhoy in this chaotic world.
Very pragmatic aticle as usual from this author.
Amazing article and well said!
Pakistan is blessed to have an intellectual like him.
Brilliant article sir. As an Indian, I can tell you sir that you have plenty of fans over the border too. Keep up the good work, what a joy to read. Bhagwan aapko hamesha salamat rakhe.
Brilliant and informative thinking! Congratulations to the author!
Take heed, clear technical input explained in simple meaningful approach.
Sir, I salute your knowledge and wisdom. Soviet Union was very powerful but lost its very existence because common man and woman were not happy.
Brilliant, and I remember a quote from Tesla which says "science is but a destruction of itself, if it's ultimate goal is not the betterment of humanity"
I have only one comment for this article written by Professor Hoodbhoy. "BRAVO."
Well said sir. Instead of wasting billions of dollars on defense expenditures, India and Pakistan should focus on welfare , poverty & healthcare
The caliber and quality of writers is much higher in Pakistan compared toIndia.I don't think any newspaper can match Dawn newspaper in the subcontinent!
Sir you are a very rational and extremely daring writer.
Brilliant
Hats off to Professor for raising his potent and logical voice against insanity at its worst reflected in producing missile and amassing weapons of mass destruction. This unholy game is played by exploiting the emotional weakness of common people. What a heavy price is being paid when the country goes for arms rather than for welfare of people.
Our leaders need to understand that an educated and healthy nation is much stronger than all the missiles combined.
Dear Sir I salute you for writing excellent article.The piece of art is this sentence The poorer the nuclear country the richer are its generals and politicians
The introductory phrase Nailed it sir
Dr. Hoodbhoy is a physicist with repute and we all know that already. But in addition to his scientific insight which he generously shares in DAWN, I greatly enjoy how his wit (rocket science being Not Rocket Science, anymore), humanity and his highly cultured sensibility (for example, the Ghalib reference above) come shining through his writings. Notwithstanding what my Pakistani friends would say, I am declaring Dr. Hoodbhoy, a subcontinetal treasure!
As an Indian, I say hats off to Pervez Hoodbhoy, a true intellectual leader and thinker. We need more such sane voices not only in Pakistan, but also in India, as well as everywhere in the world. Such voices as Pervez Hoodbhoy's will make the world a better place.
More humans lie Mr. Hoodbhoy is what we need in Asia and the rest of the world.
Sir, all the facts you have mentioned are true and indeed you are a voice of reason in Pakistan and beyond. However, I feel very frightened when I imagine what sort of world we all would have been living in, if Russia(Soviet Union) and Chinese had chosen not to or could not have developed their nuclear arsenal. Is it not quite reasonable to assume that Mahatma Gandhi would have not been able to persuade Hitler from embarking on unlimited expansion and destruction? To have nuclear and other weapons is Hobson's Choice for many countries, who had to develop them after witnessing its demonstration to Japan by US to 'win' the war. The question remains, whether it was a demonstration to Japan only. Castigating the smaller nations, including India, is to ignore the historical dynamics of proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Pervez sir! A sane voice in the crowd of insanity!
This is most anti-state article by this guy. He is trying to dig a hole in the boat he is riding. This guy need to understand the famous speech of even Regan where he says power is in the barrel of gun and an old proverb in sub-continent "who have the bamboo control the herd. We should look at all power nations they progress from strength and people like Pervez have no place. As a nation we are proud of our people who are relentlessly working on strengthening the country. This will result change in the society and people like this writer who probably born in elite class and have no understanding where the strength lies. If his logic is true then the world powers would not be their.
Dear Mr. Hoodbhoy, The quality of your thoughts reflect the quality of thoughts of sub continent's great leaders that got us freedom from the British. A legacy both countries can cherish upon. And you, Sir, belong to the sub continent. Shall I say, our Abdul Kalaam across the border?
Great article. After Mangalayan India needs a Human Resource minister like Dr. Hoodbhoy to carry forward continuous improvement of STEM education and more research in cutting edge technology in outer space.
A very intricate subject unveiled in subtle style. Rocket technology made easy but Sir, understanding by general readers made much convenient by your narration. Great article.
Dr Hoodbhoy is such a pleasant read.
The author has confined the discussions to missiles, like Agni and Shaheen only, without mentioning the PSLVs and GSLVs powering satellites into the space. Are these launches into deep space are also to create a psychosis?
A wonderful article.
We need more sane minds like Dr. Hoodbhoy. We need more schools, hospitals and social services and less bombs, missiles and weapons of war. Dr. Hoodbhoy we need more people like you to awaken the masses from their deep slumber.
Why indeed ? A sign of prowess by those who are failing their masses the most .. and you are right sir, the hapless poor are footing the bill...
Simply splendid article. No rocket will help Pakistan when we go dry on water, which is almost hovering on us per the IMF report for 2025.
Great article as usual.. however I would have loved to see a positive area mentioned, into which this Sheer wastage of resources can be directed into!! Pervez sir is truly a diamond in the rough!!
Dear Prof.
You say that we prefer war, pain and death instead of peace happiness and life. These words look so attractive in the article but the reality is quite bitter. When you see what happened in Afghanistan Iraq Libya & Syria, well developed peaceful countries ddestroyed them using missiles and other things. Do you think that they would be thinking like this? My point is that there is apparantly no country on this planet who in power wants peace happiness etc. Every country want to see its dominance and psychological superiority over others.
Pakistan has at least some sane people! Good writing!
I think given the chance you are capable of solving the K issue also. So much is your intelligence and straightforwardness.
The last sentence sums up the agony of mankind. India and Pakistan are only doing the catch up with the advanced missile technology nations in the world. The author should have noted that many of the 'peaceful' technologies only gave the spin-off to 'destructive' technology. In India, space missions have helped developed reentry technology which helped in long-range ballistic missiles.
Simply brilliant writing. How many knew that the new gyroscopes have no moving parts and are so inexpensive and small that are even used in radio controlled model airplanes and helicopters. Great fact that the poorer the missile country the richer its generals.
Neither country can afford to unleash it's Nukes on the other. And, they both know it well. It is a war dance to ward off war.If it succeeds in achieveing that then I can put up with the chest thumping by both.
As the learned professor said we should not waste our limited precious resources and energies. When we have achieved deterrence we should freeze defence spending. All of our energies should now be focused on creating a bright future for our citizens. Lets spend our energies and resources on education and health. There could be a collaboration between defence and academia as well for economic and research reasons.
Agreed. While minimum deterrence is necessary, if you see dancing on the streets to celebrate a war missile test, this may mean that you are living (or disillusioned to be living) at survival level.
An eye openér for generals and politicians of this sub continent. So beautifully written..
No one, anywhere in the world should worship those tools of war.Instead, we must be all singing about peace.
Wonder how Putin will react to this inane pontification. He just announced a hypersonic missile which travels at 10 mach and veers around obstacles in its path.
Your articles are very inspiring and your knowledge helps us the laymen to understand how fast the technology is moving forward. Thanks
Brilliant. As always !
Always logical and sensible in presenting what his brain and heart says.....Mr. Hoodbhoy is an inspiration and guiding star!