The long term plan is to use the water to refuel rockets.

I want all people to succeed. Sending astronauts to space is old science. There's 0 science and 0 pride from this. You know what would be a more awesome invention than space travel? A new smartphone operating system, Android and IOS are lame. That accomplishment world be amazing.

Flint has had clean water now for ten years now.

This "science" is a old news, there's no "prize" for being fourth. Most countries that can afford their own manned space programs don't, instead they focus on robotic arms or other high tech sub systems. Makes more sense from a scientific/engineering standpoint.

Another lame space program is progress? India should focus on wasting and stunting among it's children. America and Europe have near 0% rates of wasting. Admit that this isn't about human progress, it's about Indian national pride. You want national pride? End wasting and waterborne illness.