Taking a step forward in space exploration and development

By adapting to evolving global and national dynamics, the Indian Space Policy 2023 sets the roadmap for the country’s endeavours and domination in the sector

The Union Cabinet on 6th April 2023 approved the much-awaited Indian Space Policy 2023. The policy was an outcome of detailed deliberations which took place with various stakeholders within and outside the government, ever since the Prime Minister announced his historical decision in June 2020 to open space to private players. The policy outlines the strategic framework and principles for the country’s space activities in the coming decades. It reflects the changing global and national context of space exploration and development and aims to enhance India’s capacity, competitiveness, and cooperation in space.

One of the notable features of the new space policy is its emphasis on commercialisation and private participation in all domains of space activities. The policy recognises that the space sector has immense potential for generating new technologies, products, and services, as well as for creating jobs, revenues, and exports. Therefore, the policy aims to promote a conducive environment for private players to invest, innovate, and operate in space, while ensuring that the public interest, national security, and international obligations are safeguarded.

Clarity in the role of stakeholders

To achieve this goal, the policy envisages several measures, such as simplifying the regulatory and licensing procedures for space activities by defining roles of all governmental organisations such as the Department of Space (DOS), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) as non-government entities. It encourages private industry, start-ups, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to develop space-related products and services, facilitating technology transfer and incubation, promoting space tourism and education, and collaborating with foreign space agencies and industries.

The notable feature of the new space policy is its emphasis on commercialisation and private participation in all domains of space activities.

All these measures are expected to stimulate the growth of a vibrant and diverse space ecosystem in India, which can leverage the country’s strengths in space science, engineering, and applications, and address the emerging needs of the global space market.

To maintain India’s competitive edge in the multiple domains of space infrastructure, space transportation, space applications, capacity building, and human spaceflight, ISRO will primarily focus on research and development of advanced space technology and applications. Developed systems will be transferred to businesses for commercial use through Technology Transfer authorised by IN-SPACe.

The commercialisation of space technologies and platforms, as well as the production, leasing, or acquisition of space assets from the public or private sector, will be overseen by NSIL, the commercial arm of the DOS, as per the approved government business practices.

Building the capacity in India

The new space policy prioritises capacity building and talent development in space science and technology, recognising that India’s space programme’s success depends on skilled and motivated human resources.

To achieve this, the policy aims to enhance the quality and quantity of space education and training in the country through various initiatives such as setting up state-of-the-art space universities, promoting research collaborations between academia and industry, and providing scholarships and fellowships for deserving students and professionals.

Fostering global collaboration

The new policy reflects India’s commitment to sustainable development and global cooperation in space. The policy acknowledges the potential of space technology and data in addressing global challenges such as climate change, disaster management, agriculture, health, and other sectors. It highlights the importance of international collaboration and coordination in space activities, demonstrating India’s leadership in promoting a peaceful, inclusive, and equitable space order.

The policy aims to enhance the quality and quantity of space education and training in the country through various initiatives.

The policy sets an ambitious roadmap for India’s space activities in the next decade, which can enhance India’s global standing, advance its technological prowess, and benefit its people and the world. However, the successful implementation of the policy would require sustained political will, institutional agility, and focused effort from all stakeholders.

Specific guidelines need to be developed for the various space verticals, particularly for the Satcom and Geospatial domains, to clarify the technical intricacies surrounding them. Such guidelines would provide stakeholders with greater clarity and facilitate the development of effective strategies for commercialising products and services.

Taking the next steps

The policy should be seen as a dynamic and evolving document that needs to be reviewed, updated, and evaluated periodically based on the feedback and performance of all stakeholders. Overall, the new Indian Space Policy 2023 is a timely and bold initiative that demonstrates India’s vision and capabilities in space and has the potential to foster scientific progress, economic prosperity, and social welfare.

However, the aspect of spectrum assignment for space, liberal Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy, insurance policy, and clear guidelines are essential for the policy to be effective. The efficient utilisation of the scarce and valuable spectrum resource is essential and thus safeguarding it for space aka Satcom Industry must be prioritised without compromise.

The administrative method of spectrum assignment, which is a global practice, gives the government the necessary control to manage its use effectively, ensuring maximum benefits to society. It enables the support of crucial areas like national security and disaster management. Moreover, this method offers long-term spectrum access to industry stakeholders, providing much-needed stability and reducing interference with other users. Such measures are pivotal in fostering innovation and attracting investment in the space industry.

Liberalising the foreign direct investment policy in the space sector in India presents ample opportunities for private industry to secure capital.

Also, liberalising the FDI policy in the space sector in India presents ample opportunities for private industry to secure capital. However, corresponding market demand must be generated to prevent foreign companies from reaping the benefits as resellers.

Finally, to address the liability concerns of space objects, the government must establish regulations to govern these matters. By doing so, the government can promote responsible and safe space activities while encouraging the growth and development of the space industry.

Need succinct, simple, and light-touch guidelines

To effectively implement the space policy, it is crucial for the newly formed IN-SPACe in collaboration with other ministries and departments to lay down succinct guidelines. These clear and concise, light-touch guidelines will ensure the furtherance and implementation of the visionary policy. It is also critical that the single window role of IN-SPACe is implemented in letter and spirit.

The critical aspects of liberalised FDI policy, clarity on the method of spectrum assignment and third-party liability for insurance, as stated above, need to be finalised at the earliest. This will prove a wholesome regulatory framework that can help the Indian private space industry achieve greater success. The new Indian Space Policy 2023 which is a step forward in space ecosystem growth and development, will need to be made a reality by the Indian Space Enterprise which now comprises not only ISRO, but private industry, startups, and academia.

By Lt Gen A K Bhatt

The author is the Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA)

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