The explosion of a communications satellite near the southern Indian city of Chennai marked the second

setback in 2010 for the country's space program. The satellite was intentionally blown up after it veered

from its path; in April, a rocket plunged into the Bay of Bengal after its rotor seized and turbine casing

ruptured. The latest incident casts further doubt on plans for a manned space mission in 2016, which

officials estimate will cost approximately $2.8 billion. India's space program, originally championed by the

country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, has long been a source of great national pride and

receives lavish funding despite the nation's many social needs.