Impact of Space Missions on Indian Economy | 24 Aug 2024

Source: BS

Why in News?

A recent study, commissioned by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in collaboration with the European space consultancy, Novaspace, has revealed that ISRO's space missions have resulted in employment opportunities for lakhs of people besides developing support systems for fishermen, agriculture, crop forecasting, natural resource planning, and disaster avoidance.

How ISRO’s Space Programmes and Investments in the Space Sector have Benefited Society?

• Employment Generation: ISRO has created numerous jobs, directly employing scientists, engineers, and technicians, and indirectly generating opportunities in related industries, such as satellite manufacturing and data analysis.
• Other Economic Benefits: As per the ISRO estimates, investing in the space missions have yielded a return of approximately 2.54 times the amount spent.
  • A report by Novaspace reveals that between 2014 and 2024, the Indian space sector has generated USD 60 billion for the national economy, created 4.7 million jobs, and contributed USD 24 billion in tax revenues.
  • ISRO’s satellites enhance communication, weather forecasting, and navigation, benefiting various sectors and boosting economic productivity.
• Agricultural Development: ISRO's Earth Observation Satellites, like Resourcesat and Cartosat, enhance agricultural development by monitoring crop health, soil moisture, and land use, helping farmers make informed decisions and improve productivity.
• Disaster Management and Resource Planning: Satellites provide critical data for disaster management, enabling timely response to natural calamities. They also assist in monitoring natural resources, supporting sustainable management and agricultural planning.
  • ISRO has helped around 8 lakh fisher folk daily and 1.4 billion Indians get the benefit of satellite-based weather forecasts.
• Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development: High-resolution satellite imagery aids in urban mapping, traffic management, and infrastructure monitoring. This data allows cities to optimise land use and improve public services, contributing to sustainable urban development.
• Inspiring Youth and Education: ISRO’s achievements, like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, inspire students and promote careers in STEM fields. Educational initiatives related to space technology further stimulate interest in science and technology.
• Lunar Exploration and Scientific Advancement: The Chandrayaan missions have advanced lunar exploration and demonstrated India’s capabilities in space science, fostering national pride and contributing to global space exploration efforts.
• International Collaboration and Soft Power: ISRO's success in launching over 300 foreign satellites has established it as a global space technology leader, boosting India's international reputation and soft power while fostering global collaborations.
  • ISRO’s low-cost approach to space missions, such as Mangalyaan, makes India an attractive partner for international collaborations.
  • The growth of space-related startups fosters innovation and contributes to economic development.

What is India's Current Position in the Space Sector?

• As of 2024, the Indian space economy is valued at around Rs 6,700 crore (USD 8.4 billion), contributing 2%-3% of the global space economy which is expected to reach USD 13 Bn by 2025 at Compound annual growth (CAGR) of 6%.
  • As per the new estimates by ISRO, the gross value added by the Indian space sector between 2014 and 2023 was USD 60 billion, and in the next 10 years it can go up to USD 89 billion to USD 131 billion. 
  • India aims to capture a 10% share of the global economy by the next decade.
• ISRO is the sixth largest space agency in the world and has a high success rate of launch missions.
  • US’ NASA, China National Space Administration (CNSA), European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) are among the other five major space agencies.
• India has over 400 private space companies. The number of startups in India's space sector has surged from 54 in 2020, coinciding with the establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), to over 200 currently. 

What is the Indian Space Policy 2023?

• Transition of ISRO's Role: The Indian Space Policy 2023 divides the responsibilities of space activities (traditionally managed by ISRO) among the following entities:
  
  • ISRO: ISRO is directed to shift its focus from routine tasks to research and innovation, developing advanced space technologies to maintain India's leadership in space infrastructure, transportation, applications, capacity building, and human spaceflight.
    • ISRO has announced its vision to increase India's share in the global space economy from approximately 2% to 10% by 2034.
  • InSPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre): Acts as the single-window agency for authorising space activities and promoting industry-academia collaboration.
  • New Space India Limited (NSIL): It has been tasked with commercialising space technologies and platforms, manufacturing, leasing, or procuring space components, and servicing space-based needs on commercial principles.
  • Department of Space: Implements the policy, ensures safe space operations, and coordinates international cooperation.
• Private Participation Encouragement: Private companies, termed non-governmental entities were allowed to engage in end-to-end space activities, including launching and operating satellites, developing rockets, building spaceports, and offering services like communication, remote sensing, and navigation both domestically and internationally.

How can India Increase the Share of the Space Sector in the Economy?

• Skill Development: Investing in space-related education and training programs is essential to build a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovative space projects.
  • Establishing Space Technology Incubation Centres can help nurturing talent and fostering advanced research.
• Infrastructure Development: Upgrading space launch facilities and research centres will provide the necessary infrastructure to support more ambitious and large-scale space missions. 
  • The development of the Virtual Launch Control Center (VLCC) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre is a step in the right direction, enhancing operational capabilities.
• Government-Industry Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between government agencies and private enterprises can leverage the strengths of both sectors. Collaborative efforts can accelerate advancements in space exploration and technology, driving innovation and expanding capabilities.
• Promotion of Indigenous Technologies: Encouraging the development of homegrown technologies will foster self-reliance and reduce dependence on external sources for space hardware. Investing in indigenous research and manufacturing will enhance India's capacity to design and produce advanced space technologies.