A ground view of the Indian Space Policy 2023

Context:

On April 20 this year, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the Indian Space Policy 2023.

The document has been received positively by industry. However, it needs to be followed up with suitable legislation, accompanied by clear rules and regulations.

Second Space Age:

It began with the licensing of private TV channels, the explosive growth of the Internet, mobile telephony, and the emergence of the smartphone.
Today, while ISRO’s budget is approximately $1.6 billion, India’s space economy is over $9.6 billion.
Broadband, OTT and 5G promise a double-digit annual growth in satellite-based services.
It is estimated that with an enabling environment, the Indian space industry could grow to $60 billion by 2030, directly creating more than two lakh jobs.

Policy Environment:

Yet, it is the enabling policy environment that has proved elusive.
The first satellite communication policy was introduced in 1997, with guidelines for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the satellite industry that were further liberalised but never generated much enthusiasm.
A remote sensing data policy was introduced in 2001, was replaced by a National Geospatial Policy that has been further liberalised in 2022.

What is different?

To be fair, the Indian Space Policy 2023 is qualitatively different from previous efforts.
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.

Five key points:

First, this is the only reference to ‘security’ in the document, making it clear that the focus is on civilian and peaceful applications.
Second, the policy lays out a strategy and then spells out the roles of the various Departments of Space.
Third, it states that ISRO shall focus on R&D in advanced technology, providing newer systems and realisation of space objects for meeting national prerogatives.
Role of Private Sector: Fourth, the (non-government entities) NGEs 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.”
Fifth, IN-SPACe is expected to create a “stable and predictable regulatory framework” that will ensure a level playing field for the NGEs.
- It will act as a promoter by setting up industry clusters and as the regulator, issue guidelines on liability issues.

The gaps:

No time frame for the necessary steps ahead.
Neither is there an indicative timeline for ISRO’s transitioning out of its current practices nor is there a schedule for IN-SPACe to create the regulatory framework.
IN-SPACe is expected to authorise space activities for all, both government and non-government entities.
- Currently, its position is ambiguous as it functions under the purview of the Department of Space.

Way Ahead:

The Space Policy 2023 is a forward-looking document reflecting good intentions and a vision.
The policy framework envisaged will need clear rules and regulations pertaining to FDI and licensing, government procurement to sustain the new space start-ups, liability in case of violations and an appellate framework for dispute settlement.
A regulatory body needs legislative authority.
It is urgently needed a time frame to provide the necessary legal framework to translate this vision into reality, to successfully launch India into the Second Space Age.

News Source: The Hindu