Mains Marathon

Approach

• Start answer with the introduction of India's new space policy and its reach in the space research.
• Elaborate on how Indian Space Policy of 2023 has set its sights on fostering a thriving Indian commercial presence in space.
• Also suggest suitable way forward to further boost India's space endeavor.
• Conclude suitably.

Answer

India’s new space policy is a bold and visionary move to enable, encourage and develop a flourishing commercial presence in space. The policy aims to institutionalize and promote private sector engagement in the space domain, while allowing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to focus on research and development of advanced space technologies. The policy also seeks to enhance India’s role and contribution in the global space economy, which is estimated to be worth USD 330 billion annually.

The Indian Space Policy of 2023 has set its sights on fostering a thriving Indian commercial presence in space by:

• Creating Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), a new regulatory body, to serve as the interface between ISRO and non-governmental entities (NGEs) for authorizing and monitoring their space activities.
  • IN-SPACe will create a “stable and predictable regulatory framework” that will ensure a level playing field for the NGEs.
• Permitting NGEs to offer national and international space-based communication services through self-owned, procured or leased geostationary orbit and non-geostationary satellite orbit satellite systems.
  • Providing NGEs with greater access to ISRO’s infrastructure, technology and expertise for supporting their space-related activities, subject to appropriate charges and conditions.
  • Encouraging NGEs to invest in creating new infrastructure for the space sector, such as launch pads, ground stations, data processing centres, etc.
• Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the space sector by facilitating the participation of startups, academia, research institutions, industry associations, etc.
• Establishing the Indian Space Association (ISpA) as an industry body to represent the interests of NGEs and foster collaboration among them.
  • Enhancing international cooperation in space research and exploration by participating in multilateral initiatives and bilateral partnerships.
• New Space India Limited (NSIL): It will be responsible for commercialising space technologies and platforms created through public expenditure, as well as, manufacturing, leasing, or procuring space components, technologies, platforms and other assets from the private or public sector.
• Department of Space: It will provide overall policy guidelines and be the nodal department for implementing space technologies and, among other things, co-ordinate international cooperation and coordination in the area of global space governance and programmes in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs.
  • It will also create an appropriate mechanism to resolve disputes arising out of space activity.
• Rationalising the role of ISRO: It states that ISRO will “transition out of the existing practice of being present in the manufacturing of operational space systems.
  • Hereafter, mature systems shall be transferred to industries for commercial usage. ISRO shall focus on R&D in advanced technology, proving newer systems and realisation of space objects for meeting national prerogatives”.
• Private Sector’s Role:
  • The NGEs (this includes the private sector) are “allowed to undertake end-to-end activities in the space sector through establishment and operation of space objects, ground-based assets and related services, such as communication, remote sensing, navigation, etc.”.
  • NGEs can design and operate launch vehicles for space transportation and establish their own infrastructure.
  • NGEs can now make filings with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and engage in commercial recovery of asteroid resources.

There are several gaps in the policy which need to be addressed. Like:

• The policy sets out an ambitious role for IN-SPACe but provides no time frame for the necessary steps ahead.
• Neither is there an indicative timeline for ISRO’s transitioning out of its current practices nor is there a schedule for IN-SPACe to create the regulatory framework.
• The policy framework envisaged will need clear rules and regulations pertaining to FDI and licensing, government procurement to sustain the new space start-ups, liability in case of violations and an appellate framework for dispute settlement.
• IN-SPACe is a regulatory body but doesn’t have legislative authority.

Steps needs to take to fill these gaps:

• The Space Policy 2023 is a forward-looking document reflecting good intentions and a vision but needed is a time frame to provide the necessary legal framework to translate this vision into reality, to successfully launch India into the Second Space Age.
• The government should bring a bill that grants statutory status to IN SPACe and also sets out time limits for both ISRO and IN SPACe.

To further boost India’s space endeavour, some possible ways forward are:

• Developing a comprehensive legal framework for governing the space activities of NGEs, addressing issues such as liability, insurance, intellectual property rights, data protection, etc.
• Strengthening the capacity and capability of ISRO to undertake cutting-edge research and development in areas such as reusable launch vehicles, human spaceflight, planetary exploration, etc.
• Expanding the domestic and global markets for Indian space products and services by creating awareness and demand among various sectors and stakeholders.
• Fostering a culture of excellence and quality in the Indian space industry by adopting best practices and standards.

The Indian Space Policy of 2023 is a promising step towards creating a vibrant and competitive space industry in India that can contribute to the nation’s socio-economic development and strategic interests. The policy reflects India’s ambition and aspiration to become a leading player in the global space arena.