Daily Current Affairs : 11-July-2023
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to undergo a major transformation in line with the Indian Space Policy 2023. This policy aims to foster private sector participation in the space sector and promote the involvement of research institutions, academia, startups, and industries. The primary objective is to enhance India’s market share in the global space economy, which is currently valued at approximately USD 360 billion. The policy delineates the roles and responsibilities of various entities and introduces measures to encourage Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) to actively participate in India’s space program. This essay explores the key features of the policy and highlights the significance of these reforms in promoting economic growth and technological advancements.
Key Features of the Indian Space Policy 2023
- Restructuring ISRO’s Focus ISRO will undergo a restructuring process to focus primarily on research and development of new space technologies and applications, as well as advancing human understanding of outer space. All operational and production work for the space sector will be delegated to the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). This move will allow ISRO to dedicate its efforts to pushing the frontiers of space exploration and innovation.
- The Role of IN-SPACe The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) will function as an autonomous government organization responsible for authorizing space activities by government entities and NGEs. It will act as a single-window agency to facilitate the interface between ISRO and private sector players, streamlining the authorization process and encouraging greater private sector involvement.
- Empowering NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) NSIL, a public sector undertaking under the Department of Space, will be tasked with commercializing space technologies and platforms developed through public expenditure. It will have the authority to manufacture, lease, or procure space components, technologies, and assets from both private and public sectors. This move aims to create a vibrant commercial space market and stimulate innovation in the private sector.
- Expanding Opportunities for Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) Under the new policy, NGEs will be allowed to undertake end-to-end activities in the space sector. They can establish and operate space objects, ground-based assets, and offer communication, remote sensing, and navigation services. Furthermore, NGEs can provide national and international space-based communication services through self-owned, procured, or leased satellite systems, encouraging the growth of satellite-based services.
- Open Access to Space Data The policy emphasizes open access to space data for Indian consumers. Remote sensing data with a Ground Sample Distance (GSD) of 5 meters and higher will be made accessible to all on a “free and open” basis. Data with a GSD of less than 5 meters will be available free of charge to government entities and at fair pricing to NGEs, promoting transparency and collaboration.
The Need for Space Reforms
The Indian Space Policy 2023 addresses the need for regulatory certainty and provides a much-needed framework for private sector participation in the space domain. The global space economy has seen remarkable growth, and private sector players in other spacefaring nations have significantly contributed to this expansion. India, despite being one of the few spacefaring nations, lags behind with just a 2% share in the global space economy. The policy aims to change this by creating opportunities for NGEs to thrive and innovate, leading to economic growth and job creation in the space sector.
Important Points:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will transfer its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector as per the Indian Space Policy 2023.
The policy aims to institutionalize private sector participation in the space sector and involve research, academia, startups, and industry.
The Department of Space (DOS) will implement the policy through detailed directives.
The policy is applicable to all space activities in or from Indian Territory or within India’s jurisdiction, including its exclusive economic zone.
ISRO will focus on research and development of new space technologies and applications, while operational and production work will be handled by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) will serve as an autonomous government organization and act as a single-window agency for space activity authorization.
NSIL will be responsible for commercializing space technologies and platforms developed through public expenditure, manufacturing, leasing, or procuring space components, technologies, and assets.
Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) will be allowed to undertake end-to-end space activities, including the establishment and operation of space objects and ground-based assets for various services.
NGEs can offer national and international space-based communication services using self-owned, procured, or leased satellite systems, including those in geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO).
Indian consumers can directly procure space technology or services from any source, encouraging a competitive and open market.
ISRO will make remote sensing data with Ground Sample Distance (GSD) of 5 meters and higher freely accessible to all, while data with GSD less than 5 meters will be available at fair pricing to NGEs.
The policy is a step towards providing regulatory certainty and enhancing private sector participation in India’s space program.
India aims to increase its market share in the global space economy, where it currently accounts for only about 2% of the total value.
The policy seeks to encourage innovation, job creation, and economic growth in the space sector by empowering the private sector and NGEs.
Why In News
In line with the Indian Space Policy, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will soon transfer its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector amid growing demand for small satellites, fostering greater collaboration and innovation within the space industry. This strategic move is expected to not only bolster the commercial space sector in India but also expedite the deployment of cutting-edge technologies and applications in space exploration.
MCQs about Indian Space Policy 2023
-
According to the Indian Space Policy 2023, what will be the primary focus of ISRO?
A. Commercializing space technologies
B. Research and development of new space technologies
C. Providing satellite-based communication services
D. Managing operational and production work for the space sector
-
What is the role of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) under the Indian Space Policy 2023?
A. Research and development of space technologies
B. Commercializing space technologies
C. Authorizing space activities by government entities and NGEs
D. Providing satellite-based communication services
-
What is the key responsibility of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) under the Indian Space Policy 2023?
A. Research and development of space technologies
B. Providing satellite-based communication services
C. Commercializing space technologies and platforms
D. Authorizing space activities by government entities and NGEs
-
What does the Indian Space Policy 2023 propose regarding space data accessibility?
A. Remote sensing data will only be accessible to government entities.
B. Remote sensing data with a Ground Sample Distance (GSD) of less than 5 meters will be available for free to all.
C. Remote sensing data with a GSD of 5 meters and higher will be made accessible to all on a “free and open” basis.
D. Space data will only be accessible to private sector entities.
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
