Indian Space Policy, 2023

The Indian Space Policy – 2023 is a comprehensive framework established by the Government of India to promote and regulate space activities within the country. It was officially approved by the Government of India on April 6, 2023. This policy aims to enhance India’s capabilities in the space sector, encourage private sector participation, and ensure a sustainable and thriving space ecosystem. It was formulated following significant reforms initiated in 2020 that opened the space domain to non-governmental entities (NGEs).

Components of the Indian Space Policy, 2023

1. Vision:

• • • • To augment India’s space capabilities.
      • To foster a flourishing commercial presence in space.
      • To utilize space for socio-economic development, security, environmental protection, and peaceful exploration.

2. Strategy:

• • • • Promote greater private sector involvement across the entire value chain of the space economy.
      • Encourage advanced research and development (R&D) in the space sector.
      • Provide public goods and services using space technology for national priorities.
      • Establish a stable regulatory framework through the Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).

3. Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs):

• • • • NGEs are allowed to engage in end-to-end space activities, including establishing and operating satellites, ground facilities, and providing services such as remote sensing and communication.
      • They can make International Telecommunication Union (ITU) filings for orbital resources and develop technologies for satellite navigation and communication.

4. Implementation Framework:

• • • • The policy outlines guidelines for authorizing various space activities, including satellite operations, launch vehicle management, and data dissemination.
      • It emphasizes fostering industry-academia linkages to enhance the overall ecosystem.

Roles of Key Entities Outlined in the Indian Space Policy, 2023

1. Department of Space (DoS)

The Department of Space serves as the apex body for formulating and implementing national policies related to space activities. Its key responsibilities include:

• • • • Policy Formulation: Establishing overarching policies to guide space exploration and technology development.
      • Coordination: Collaborating with other governmental departments to align space initiatives with national priorities.
      • Promotion of R&D: Encouraging research and development in space technologies to maintain India’s competitive edge.
      • Facilitating Private Participation: Enabling non-governmental entities (NGEs) to engage in various space activities, thereby fostering a commercial space ecosystem.

2. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

The Indian Space Research Organisation functions as the national space agency, focusing on research and development. Its primary roles include:

• • • • Applied R&D: Carrying out research to develop new technologies and applications that enhance India’s capabilities in space.
      • Technology Sharing: Providing access to technologies, processes, and best practices for NGEs and government entities.
      • Open Data Access: Ensuring that remote sensing data is available on a free and open basis while maintaining certain restrictions for high-resolution data.
      • Human Spaceflight Development: Leading efforts to demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities and developing a roadmap for sustained human presence in space.

3. Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)

IN-SPACe is established as an autonomous body responsible for promoting and regulating space activities involving both government entities and NGEs. Its main functions include:

• • • • Single Window Authorization: Acting as the central agency for authorizing various space activities, ensuring compliance with safety, security, and international obligations.
      • Guidance and Support: Providing guidance to NGEs on regulatory processes and facilitating ease of doing business in the space sector.
      • Industry Promotion: Working with industry stakeholders to promote identified space activities and establish India as a preferred service provider globally.
      • Technology Transfer Facilitation: Identifying ISRO-developed technologies ready for transfer to NGEs.

4. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)

NewSpace India Limited is a government-owned company that plays a crucial role in commercializing space technologies. Its responsibilities include:

• • • • Commercialization of Space Activities: Facilitating the transfer of ISRO’s technologies to private players for commercial use.
      • Supporting Startups: Encouraging innovation by supporting startups in the space sector through funding and infrastructure development.
      • Market Development: Identifying market opportunities for Indian space products and services both domestically and internationally.

Significance of the Policy

The Indian Space Policy 2023 is considered a pivotal step toward establishing India as a global hub for space activities. It aims to:

• • Foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the country.
  • Increase job opportunities in the burgeoning space sector.
  • Position India strategically in the global space market.
  • Encourage sustainable practices in space operations while ensuring national security through enhanced capabilities.

Conclusion

The Indian Space Policy 2023 represents a significant shift towards privatization and commercialization in India’s space sector, setting the stage for a vibrant and competitive environment that leverages both public and private resources for national and global benefits.

Reference Link-1: Indian Space Policy, 2023

Reference Link-2: Indian Institute of Public Administration