Answer

India is drafting a  new space law that aims to regulate the growing field of space exploration, ensuring the commercialisation of space activities is managed effectively. The law intends to support private sector participation, boost innovation, and ensure national security while aligning with global frameworks, reflecting the shift of space exploration from a matter of national pride to a commercial and profit-driven industry.

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Evolution of Space Exploration from National Pride to Commercial Industry

• Rise of Private Sector Participation: Space exploration has increasingly shifted from government-driven projects to private sector-led ventures, spurred by technological advancements and profit incentives.
  For example: SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has revolutionized space travel by reducing launch costs, paving the way for a new commercial space era with private players competing for contracts.
• Commercial Space Tourism: The development of space tourism by private companies marks the shift of space exploration from scientific discovery to revenue generation.
  For example: Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic are offering suborbital flights, allowing private citizens to pay for a space experience, showing the commercial side of space exploration.
• Satellite Industry Growth: The space industry is increasingly centred on the commercialisation of satellites for telecommunications, data, and imagery, making space exploration a key economic sector.
  For example: The launch of OneWeb and SpaceX’s Starlink focuses on global internet coverage, generating substantial revenue from satellite operations.
• Private Companies’ Role in Space Launches: Private companies now dominate space launches, with government entities focusing more on regulatory frameworks.
  For example: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has entered into partnerships with private companies like Skyroot Aerospace to enhance the commercial space launch industry.
• Investment in Space Research and Development: The commercial sector is investing heavily in space research, contributing to the rapid technological advancements in rocket systems, propulsion, and space exploration tools.
  For example: Amazon’s Kuiper Systems and SpaceX’s Starship program both involve significant investments in the research and development of next-generation space technologies.

Impact of the Shift on Global Space Governance

Positive

• Access to Innovation: Private sector involvement has accelerated advancements in space science, satellite technology, and transportation, enriching global space governance with diverse approaches.
• Collaborative Governance Models: Governments and private sector players must work together to establish new governance models that promote international cooperation while ensuring fair access to space.
  For example: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulates satellite communications, demonstrating how global cooperation is essential for managing space infrastructure.
• Space Law Evolution: With increasing private sector involvement, existing space laws must be reinterpreted to ensure they can handle the complexities of commercial activities in outer space.
  For example: The Moon Agreement (1979) and the Outer Space Treaty have been under review to address issues like resource mining and space tourism.

Negative

• Environmental Concerns and Sustainability: The growth of commercial space activities necessitates stronger regulations on space debris management and the environmental impact of space exploration.
  For example: The United Nations has initiated discussions on a global framework to prevent the overpopulation of low Earth orbit with debris from commercial satellites.
• Increased Competition for Space Resources: The influx of private companies and national players in space exploration leads to competition over resources such as orbit slots and minerals from asteroids, requiring international coordination.
  For example: The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) is involved in discussions about the sustainable use of space resources to avoid monopolistic practices.
• Need for Updated Regulatory Frameworks: As private companies become more involved in space exploration, global governance frameworks need to adapt to ensure compliance with international treaties and prevent potential conflicts.
  For example: The Outer Space Treaty (1967) emphasizes peaceful space exploration, but new regulations are needed to address private sector concerns like space debris and space resource extraction.

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Impact of the Shift on India’s Space Policy

• Promoting Private Sector Involvement: India’s new space law focuses on encouraging the private sector to participate in space missions and satellite launches, expanding commercial activities.
  For example: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) was created to facilitate private participation in space exploration and commercial space ventures.
• Aligning with International Space Treaties: India’s evolving space policy aligns with global treaties to ensure that the growing commercialisation of space remains consistent with international legal frameworks.
  For example: India’s draft space law seeks to comply with the Outer Space Treaty (1967) while ensuring national security and economic growth.
• Fostering Innovation through Public-Private Partnerships: India’s space policy encourages partnerships between ISRO and private companies to enhance space technology and promote innovation.
  For example: The partnership between ISRO and L&T Technology Services for developing new space technologies showcases India’s move towards greater private sector involvement in space.
• Regulating Commercial Activities and National Security: As space becomes more commercialized, India’s space policy focuses on ensuring that national security is not compromised while promoting economic growth.
• Supporting Space Startups: India’s space policy emphasizes nurturing space startups, aiming to create a competitive ecosystem in the global space market.
  For example: Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos, both Indian space startups, are part of India’s push to establish a private space sector.

As space exploration evolves into a commercial industry, it is crucial for nations like India to adapt and regulate these activities to ensure global cooperation and security. India’s expanded vision during Amrit Kaal aims to establish the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and send an Indian crewed mission to the Moon by 2040, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global space arena.

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