The Indian Cabinet Committee on Security has adopted the Indian Space Policy 2023. The policy has opened up the Indian space sector, allowing the private sector to play a larger role in the development and competitiveness of the Indian space programme.
Everything you need to know about the Indian Space Policy 2023
- Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined: The Indian Space Policy 2023 policy clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), as well as those of the Indian space sector’s private players.
- Opportunities for private sector operators: One of the important components of the new strategy is the opening up of the Indian space sector to allow private sector actors to play an active part in enhancing the development and competitiveness of the Indian space programme. This will allow ISRO to focus on non-commercial missions such as advanced space technology research & development and space exploration.
- Improve overall ISRO missions: The policy is expected to improve overall ISRO missions by involving more non-government institutions, such as academia, the scientific community, startups, and industry.
- Institutional arrangements: NSIL, an institutional arrangement inside the Department of Space, will handle strategic activities in the space industry on a demand-driven basis. IN-SPACe is another recent institutional setup that will be essential in coordinating between the public and commercial sectors.
- Framework for using ISRO facilities: The policy outlines a framework for the commercial sector to use ISRO facilities for a charge.
- Making India’s space programme competitive: Private businesses are also anticipated to invest in new space facilities. This would be essential in making India’s space programme more competitive and developed.
- ISRO will concentrate on research and development: In a key move, ISRO has indicated that it will not conduct any operational or production work for the space sector, instead focusing on developing new technologies, new systems, and research and development. This effectively means that the normal manufacture and launches that the ISRO was previously involved in would be done entirely by the private sector.
What is mean by Open Space Policy?
- A policy that provides for open and transparent engagement in space activities is referred to as an Open Space Policy.
- It entails the partnership of public and commercial organisations in the exploration and utilisation of space.
- An open space policy’s purpose is to stimulate innovation, competition, and growth in the space industry while also assuring the safety and security of space activities.
- This policy enables for the development of new technologies, R&D, and enhanced cooperation and collaboration among various countries and organisations.
The Advantages of Having an Open Space Policy
- An open space policy can be utilised as a communications tool for both allies and potential opponents. It can demonstrate India’s commitment to peaceful usage of outer space while also instilling trust in other countries.
- Moderating worries and concerns: By providing better clarity on India’s space objectives and priorities, an open space policy can help to moderate anxieties and concerns regarding India’s space activities.
- Rebuilding trust: An open space policy can serve to reassure other countries that India is dedicated to the peaceful use of outer space.
- Goals for Outlining: A comprehensive picture of India’s short- and long-term space objectives and priorities can be provided through an open space policy.
- Better resource allocation: By providing a clear framework for decision-making and prioritisation, an open space policy can help to ensure better resource allocation for India’s space programme.
Potential disadvantages of open space policy
- Increased competition: An open space policy may result in increased competition between countries and private companies for access to space and its resources. This could result in a space arms race and heightened tensions between countries.
- Worries about security: Open access to space may raise security worries since governments may build space weapons or use space to spy on other countries.
- Environmental impact: An open space policy may have environmental effects since greater space activities may result in more space debris and pollution, potentially affecting Earth’s orbit and environment.
- Lack of regulation: Without proper regulation, an open space policy could lead to the exploitation of space resources such as minerals and water, which could harm the environment and result in unequal resource distribution.
- Cost: Increased space activity and access may result in higher expenses for countries and commercial companies, which may not be long-term viable.
@the end
The new strategy is projected to result in substantial improvements in the Indian space ecosystem, including as increased private sector participation, improved resource allocation, and institutional clarity. This is a significant step towards developing an open space policy that balances economic and national security needs.
Source: https://www.indiatimes.com/explainers/news/explained-key-features-of-the-indian-space-policy-2023-599125.html#:~:text=Another%20key%20feature%20of%20the,in%20data%20collection%20and%20dissemination.