A Ground View Of The Indian Space Policy 2023
Context:
The Cabinet Committee on Security gave its approval to the Indian Space Policy 2023. The goal of the strategy is to formalise private sector involvement in the space industry, with ISRO concentrating on cutting-edge space technology research and development.
Points to Ponder:
- On April 20, 2023, ISRO published the Indian Space Policy 2023, which has been well accepted by the sector. However, it must be followed by appropriate law with precise
guidelines and norms. - Up until the early 1990s, ISRO set the standards for India’s space industry and economy, with private sector participation restricted to the construction of ISRO designs and specifications.
- Private TV channel licencing, the Internet’s fast growth, mobile telephony, and the invention of the smartphone marked the beginning of the Second Space Age. India now has a space economy worth over $9.6 billion, and with the right conditions, it may reach $60 billion by 2030 and provide more than two lakh employment.
- The favourable policy climate, however, has been elusive. An annual outflow of more than $500 million results from the fact that more than half of the transponders streaming TV signals into Indian homes are housed on foreign satellites.
- After a lengthy consultation procedure, a draught Space Activities Bill was released in 2017, but it expired in 2019 with the departure of the Lok Sabha. By 2021, a new Bill was supposed to be introduced by the government, but it seems to have been satisfied with the new policy statement instead.
- The Indian Space Policy 2023 departs significantly from earlier initiatives. Its contribution to India’s “socioeconomic development and security, protection of environment and lives, the pursuit of peaceful space exploration, stimulation of public awareness and the scientific quest” is how it characterises its function in that country.
- The plan is laid out in the policy, which goes on to specify the responsibilities of the Department of Space, ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL. ISRO will “transition out of the current practice of being present in operational space system manufacture. After then, developed solutions will be given to businesses for commercial use. For the sake of upholding national prerogatives, ISRO shall concentrate on R&D in advanced technology, demonstrating newer technologies, and realising space objects.
- NSIL will take on the role of the industry’s interface, engage in business talks, and offer assistance to enable a quick and effective transfer of innovations.
- NGEs, which include the private sector, are “allowed to undertake end-to-end activities in the space sector through the establishment and operation of space objects, ground-based assets, and related services, such as communication, remote sensing, navigation, etc.” Remote sensing data might be disseminated in India or overseas, communication services could be over India or outside of it, and satellites could be self-owned, purchased, or leased. NGEs can create their infrastructure, and design, and manage launch vehicles for space travel.
- According to the policy, ISRO will now focus on cutting-edge research and development as well as long-term programmes like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan using its greatest asset, its qualified and talented workforce.
guidelines and norms.Similar Topics
Awaiting Liftoff Into The Second Space Age
