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