A ground view of the Indian Space Policy 2023

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the Indian Space Policy 2023 that had been in the works for some years.

What is different?

• Vision: The ‘Vision’ is to “enable, encourage and develop a flourishing commercial presence in space” that suggests an acceptance that the private sector is a critical stakeholder in the entire value chain of the space economy.
• Multiple role: It defines its role in India’s “socio-economic development and security, protection of environment and lives, pursuing peaceful exploration of outer space, stimulation of public awareness and scientific quest”.
• Roles of institution: It clearly spells out the roles of the Department of Space, ISRO, IN-SPACe, and the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

Role of Private sector

• End-to-end activities: Non-government entities (this includes the private sector) are “allowed to undertake end-to-end activities in the space sector through establishment and operation of space objects, ground-based assets and related services, such as communication, remote sensing, navigation, etc.
• Launch and operate Vehicles: NGEs can design and operate launch vehicles for space transportation and establish their own infrastructure.
• Regulation by IN-SPACe: The activities of the NGEs will be in keeping with guidelines and regulation to be issued by IN-SPACe. It is expected to act as the single window agency for authorising space activities “by government entities and NGEs”.