Will policy power India’s space race?

What does the space policy seek to achieve?

In 2020, the government liberalized the space sector and enabled large-scale private sector participation in the country’s space programme, which until then had been the prerogative of ISRO. It did this after realizing that if India was to enhance its space capabilities, have a flourishing commercial space business, become a global power in the region and use these capabilities for socio-economic development and security If this is to be done, a greater role of the private sector is required. The updated space policy seeks to provide regulatory certainty to achieve this vision of creating a thriving space eco-system.

Where does the space program stand?

Ever since India launched its first sounding rocket in November 1963, its space program has come a long way. ISRO has carried out more than 120 spacecraft missions, 90-odd satellite launch missions and has put into orbit more than 385 foreign satellites. Its two satellite launchers, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), are considered reliable low-cost launch options for the world. Still, its space assets are 80 miles ahead of the US’s 1,650 and China’s more than 450 satellites in orbit. India’s share in the global market of $ 440 billion is just 2 percent.

How have recent reforms helped?

The reforms announced in 2020 ensured that more than 100 new companies entered the sector. Some of them, such as Skyroot Aerospace, Dhruv Space, Digantara, Pixel and Bellatrix Aerospace, have already tasted success. In 2022, these companies raised more than $100 million which is more than the money raised cumulatively till 2021.

What will be the role of ISRO?

ISRO, according to the space policy, “will primarily focus on research and development of new space technologies and applications, and expanding human understanding of outer space”. India’s space program will transition from ISRO-dominated to ISRO-enabled. It has transferred its commercial operations to NewSpace India Limited, a public sector unit, and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) has started regulating the space sector.

What do private companies say

The policy has received a good response. Private players including startups call it “looking ahead”. It sets the role of ISRO, IN-SPACe and other entities. What excites him most is the flexibility the policy allows given the rapid technological changes typically seen in this sector. This allows case-by-case authorization or approval from in-space to engage in space activity even if it does not align with policy. He says this is vital for India to achieve its objective of becoming a space superpower.