The Indian space industry has witnessed various remarkable changes, from the Mars Orbiter Mission to the everyday development of technology, infrastructure, and policies. Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the Indian Space Policy 2023. This unprecedented policy aims to bolster the private sector, allowing it to have a considerable involvement in the space sector, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) emphasizing on R&D.
Indian Space Policy 2023: Major Provisions
This groundbreaking policy brings forth the much-needed clarity in space reforms and expands the role of the private sector. Indian Space Policy 2023 mainly focuses on delineating the roles and responsibilities of key players like ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). NSIL will carry out strategic activities related to the space sector, IN-SPACe will function as a bridge between ISRO and non-governmental entities, and ISRO will majorly focus on developing new technologies and systems. More importantly, the private sector is now allowed to participate fully in space activities such as building satellites, launch vehicles, and data collection.
Current Status of India’s Space Sector
India’s space sector has achieved global recognition due to its cost-effective satellite production. With over 400 private space firms, India ranks fifth globally in terms of the number of space companies. Continued efforts to prevent weaponization of space and commitment to peace have strengthened India’s position in the global arena. Important advances include the establishment of Defence Space Agency (DSA), supported by the Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO), capable of creating weapons to counter space-based threats, and India’s satellite manufacturing opportunity reaching USD 3.2 billion by 2025.
Major Challenges for the Space Sector
Despite the rapid growth, challenges still exist. The absence of regulations on commercialization, increasing space junk, and the rise of other countries like China in space technology are among the challenges. A growing global trust deficit caused by a potential arms race for weaponization of outer space is also a significant concern.
Defending India’s Space Assets: The Way Forward
India needs to build reliable tracking capabilities for its satellites and space debris. Project NETRA, an early warning system in space to detect such objects, is a crucial step towards this goal. Efforts should be made to secure a permanent seat in international bodies and plan for joint space missions.
Reimagining Space Presence: Gaganyaan and Beyond
India’s manned space flight program marks a shift in the nation’s space presence. The Gaganyaan mission serves as a stepping stone for future interplanetary missions, making India an important player in global space exploration.
Expanding Role of Women in Space Sector: Learning from Space4Women
Space4Women, a United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) initiative, encourages gender equality and women’s empowerment in the space sector. India can learn from the project and initiate similar programs at the grassroots level. More opportunities can be created for female students through ISRO internships.
Cleaning Outer Space: The Technological Intervention
With growing space expeditions, space debris is becoming a major problem. Technologies like self-vanishing satellites and robotic arms can help in managing space debris and make India a problem-solver in the space arena. Developing such revolutionary technologies can further boost India’s global standing in the space industry.
Strategic policy development and technological intervention are crucial for India’s sustained growth in the space sector. Enabling more private participation and focusing on inclusion will lead to a more resilient and dynamic space industry for the country.
