Developments in India’s Space Sector

Relevance to UPSC

• GS III: Science and Technology: Developments and applications, awareness in Space Technology, indigenization and technology transfer, role of technology in economic development.
• GS II: International Relations: Global Partnerships and International Cooperation, Policy and Governance, Indian Space Policy, 2023, IN-SPACe.
• Essay Topic: "India’s Space Revolution: Public and Private Collaboration for Development" or "Space Exploration as a Catalyst for Human Development."

News Article

Background

• Thumba Launch: 1963 marked the launch of a Nike-Apache sounding rocket from Thumba, Kerala, initiating India’s space program.
• Milestone: Helped ISRO master solid propellant technology for India’s launch vehicles.

Key Developments

Private Sector Involvement

• NewSpace India Ltd. launched GSAT-24, a 4,700-kg satellite, onboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
• Pixel (Indian-American startup): Launched hyperspectral satellites for high-resolution imaging; more launches planned.
• Piersight Space: Launching payload to demonstrate deployable antenna on a PSLV mission.
• HEZXO: Nanosatellite onboard SpaceX mission scheduled for February 2025.

Satellite Launches

• GSAT-24: Communication satellite providing broadband to underserved areas, including the Northeast and Andaman & Nicobar.
• EOS-07: Experimental satellite for technology demonstration.
• India’s first satellite aboard SpaceX: Signifies greater private sector participation.

Scientific Research & Collaboration

• Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO): India contributed engineering expertise.
• ISRO-AstroSat collaboration: Led to significant research in high-energy astrophysics.

Biological Experiments

• Department of Space & Biotechnology collaboration: Experiments aboard the forthcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Focus Areas for Space Sector Growth

• Enhancing private sector partnerships in satellite launches and innovation.
• Expansion in satellite applications like disaster monitoring, climate studies, and broadband.
• International collaborations for advanced astronomical observatories.

Significance

• Reinforces India’s position as a global player in space technology and innovation.
• Supports strategic goals in communication, defence, and scientific research.

Miscellaneous

• Policy Implications: Boost for India’s ‘Make in India’ and space privatization efforts.
• Strategic Use: Space-based technologies to address agriculture, climate change, and disaster management.

INDIAN SPACE SECTOR

Historical Evolution

• 1960s: Birth of India's space program under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
  • 1963: First rocket launch (Nike-Apache) from Thumba, Kerala.
  • 1969: Formation of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• 1975: Launch of Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, with Soviet assistance.
• 1980: Rohini satellite launched using India’s first SLV-3.
• 2008: India’s first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, discovered water molecules on the Moon.
• 2014: Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) made India the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit.
• 2023: Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the lunar south pole, a global first.

Achievements in Space Technology

• Launch Vehicle Technology
  • SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle) and ASLV (Augmented SLV): Early experiments.
  • PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): Reliable workhorse with over 50 successful launches.
  • GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): Capable of launching heavier payloads into geostationary orbit.
  • GSLV Mk III: Used for Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and upcoming Gaganyaan missions.
  • Development of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

• Satellite Programs
  • INSAT/GSAT series: Communication and meteorological satellites.
  • IRS series: Earth observation and remote sensing satellites.
  • Navigation Satellites (NavIC): Regional navigation system for India.
  • AstroSat: India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.
• Space Exploration
  • Chandrayaan Missions: Exploration of the Moon.
  • Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission): Cost-effective Mars exploration.
  • Upcoming missions: Aditya-L1 (solar exploration), Gaganyaan (human spaceflight).

Role of the Private Sector in Space

• Privatization Efforts
  • NewSpace India Limited (NSIL): Public sector undertaking for commercializing ISRO’s launches.
  • IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center): Facilitates private sector participation.
• Private Companies
  • Skyroot Aerospace: Successfully launched Vikram-S, India’s first private rocket.
  • Agnikul Cosmos: Developing customizable launch vehicles.
  • Pixxel: Specializing in hyperspectral imaging satellites.
  • Dhruva Space: Focused on satellite manufacturing.
• Space Startups: Growing ecosystem aligned with the government’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Constitutional Basis for Space Sector

• Union List (List I) under the Seventh Schedule:
  • Entry 31: "Posts and telegraphs; telephones, wireless, broadcasting, and other like forms of communication."
    • This entry provides the Union Government with authority over satellite-based communication, as satellites play a crucial role in telecommunications and broadcasting.
  • Entry 97: "Any other matter not enumerated in the State List or the Concurrent List, including any tax not mentioned in either of those Lists."
    • Space exploration and activities, being a modern and evolving field not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, fall under the residuary powers of the Union Government.
• Article 51 (Directive Principles of State Policy):
  • Encourages fostering respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organized people with one another.
  • This article provides the basis for India’s adherence to international treaties related to outer space, such as:
    • The Outer Space Treaty, 1967.
    • The Moon Agreement, 1979.
    • The Rescue Agreement, 1968.
• Article 253:
  • Empowers Parliament to make laws for implementing international agreements and treaties.
  • Provides a framework for India’s international commitments in space-related treaties and collaborations.

Key Policies and Initiatives

1. Indian Space Policy, 2023: Focus on private participation, research, and commercialization.

• Aims to encourage private sector participation in satellite development, launch services, and space-based applications.
• Emphasizes the shift from a government-driven space program to a collaborative ecosystem involving private players and startups.

2. IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center)

• Established in 2020 as a regulatory body to:
  • Facilitate private sector participation in the space industry.
  • Provide a single-window clearance for non-governmental entities.
• Works as a bridge between ISRO and private companies/startups to share infrastructure and technical expertise.

3. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL): A commercial arm of ISRO established in 2019.

• Responsibilities:
  • Marketing space products and services.
  • Transferring ISRO-developed technologies to private companies.
  • Promoting satellite launches and building a self-reliant ecosystem for space-based services.

4. Make in India: Atmanirbhar Bharat in Space: Promotes indigenous manufacturing of satellites and components.

• Focuses on developing indigenous technologies and reducing dependence on imports.
• Encourages domestic manufacturing of satellite components, launch vehicles, and ground systems.

5. Draft Space Activities Bill, 2017: Aims to provide a legal framework for:

• Private sector participation in satellite launches and operations.
• Regulation and authorization of space activities by non-governmental entities.
• Promotes transparency and accountability in the commercialization of space.

6. Space Technology Incubation Centers (S-TICs)

• Established in collaboration with premier academic institutions.
• Objective:
  • Support startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs in developing indigenous space technologies.
  • Provide funding and technical mentorship.
• Located across India, fostering regional innovation.

7. Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station)

• Long-term vision to build and operate a fully indigenous space station by 2030.
• Provides opportunities for private investments in research and development of critical technologies.

8. Geospatial Data Policy, 2021

• Liberalizes the collection, storage, and sharing of geospatial data.
• Encourages private players to develop applications and services using satellite imagery and remote sensing data.

9. SpaceCom Policy: Guidelines for satellite-based communication services.
10. National Remote Sensing Policy: Regulates access to satellite imagery and data.
11. NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) Expansion

• Promotes indigenous navigation technology as an alternative to GPS.
• Encourages private sector collaboration for NavIC-enabled devices and applications.

12. FDI in Space Sector

• The government allows up to 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route in satellite establishment and operation.
• Simplifies investment procedures for global companies to collaborate in India's space industry.

Contributions to Socio-Economic Development

• Communication: Satellites enable digital connectivity and telecommunications.
• Disaster Management: Remote sensing aids in disaster prediction, monitoring, and mitigation.
• Agriculture: Space data supports precision farming and crop monitoring.
• Climate Studies: Helps monitor environmental changes and study climate patterns.
• Navigation: NavIC supports strategic and civilian needs (transport, logistics, etc.).
• Education and Healthcare: Telemedicine and tele-education services for remote areas.

International Collaboration

1. NASA-ISRO Collaboration: NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar): Joint Earth observation satellite for disaster management and climate studies. Mars and lunar exploration knowledge sharing.
2. European Space Agency (ESA): Collaborates in satellite launches and deep-space exploration missions. Supported Chandrayaan-1 and -2 missions through ground stations.
3. Russia (Roscosmos): Assisted with early space missions (e.g., Aryabhata, Gaganyaan training for astronauts). Collaboration on propulsion and launch technologies.
4. Japan (JAXA): Planned Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) for moon exploration. Data-sharing agreements for space science.
5. Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO): India contributes to building the world's largest radio telescope for studying the universe's origins.
6. France (CNES): Collaborates on climate monitoring satellites (e.g., Megha-Tropiques, SARAL). Joint efforts in human spaceflight and navigation systems.
7. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA): Partners on capacity-building initiatives and satellite technology for sustainable development.
8. International Commercial Launches: PSLV has launched over 400 foreign satellites from 40+ countries (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Germany, etc.).
9. South Africa and Australia: Collaborative roles in global projects like Square Kilometer Array (SKA) and space tracking support.
10. Israel: Cooperation in satellite technology and development.

Challenges

• Technological Gaps: Need for advancements in heavy-lift launch vehicles and reusable rockets.
• Competition: Global competition from private players like SpaceX, Blue Origin.
• Funding Constraints: Need for higher budget allocations for ambitious projects.
• Policy Implementation: Delays in enacting the Space Activities Bill.

Future Prospects

• Gaganyaan: India’s first human spaceflight program.
• Aditya-L1: Solar observation satellite.
• Lunar Missions: Collaboration with Japan for future moon exploration.
• Space Stations: Plans to establish an Indian space station by 2030.
• Commercial Market: Expansion in satellite launches and space-based services.

Significance of the Space Sector

• Strategic Advantage: Enhances India’s defense and surveillance capabilities.
• Economic Growth: Contributes to the $600 billion global space economy.
• Scientific Leadership: Positions India as a leader in affordable and innovative space technology.
• Global Standing: Strengthens India’s diplomatic ties and technological image.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen Public-Private Collaboration: Foster innovation and cost-efficiency.
2. Policy and Regulation: Expedite the Space Activities Bill and simplify licensing.
3. Boost R&D: Invest in advanced technologies like AI, quantum computing, and space robotics.
4. International Cooperation: Expand global partnerships for shared research and exploration.
5. Focus on Sustainability: Address space debris and ensure ethical use of space resources.

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