Topic: –Science and technology- Space
Syllabus: – Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, bio-technology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Analyse the growth of the Indian space sector and the need of private parties in India. Highlight the recent policies and developments associated with the Indian space sector? (150 words, 10 Marks)
| Synopsis:-
§ Introduction: – Briefly mention Indian space sector history. § Body: – Keyword (Analyse – Look in depth at space sector growth and need of private parties and mention the recent policies). § Conclusion: – Conclude with your suggestion of space advancement of India for the future. |
Answer
Introduction:-
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the key player in the country’s space industry. Jawaharlal Nehru under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) established Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, on the urging of scientist Vikram Sarabhai recognising the need in space research. The industry includes over 500 private suppliers and other various bodies of the Department of Space in all commercial, research and arbitrary regards.
Body:-
In order to enhance the diffusion of space technology and boost the space economy within the country, the Department of Space desires to encourage the participation of private companies in space activities. Major private players are Agnikula Cosmos, an IIT Madras incubated space tech start-up, Skyroot Aerospace, Pixxel, etc.
Need of Private Parties in Space industry
- Private sector investment is critical to meet the needs of raising demand for research and development in space.
- All advanced economies (USA – SpaceX) promote the role of private participants for the advancement of space industry.
- Disinvestment of 100% in space sector helps to reduce the expenditure of government.
- With private sector participation, new resources and talent will become available.
Criticism for the participation of Private Parties
- Information can be misused or improperly utilised.
- The regulatory clearance process and unstable political institutions can prove to be obstacles for investors.
- The government/ ISRO will lose a large part of revenue from the space sector.
- Absence of legal framework for the space industry will positively affect the private parties (Profit making, lobbying, etc.)
- The money laundering case arose out of a failed satellite deal in 2005 between Devas Multimedia and ISRO’s Antrix Corporation.
Recent policies of Space sector by Indian government:
- Drafted Space Activities Bill in 2017, but not passed yet.
- Established a new Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre and Central Public Sector Enterprise New Space India Limited (NSIL) in 2019 to promote the private participants.
- The Kalamsat-V2 is the lightest satellite in the world launched by ISRO in 2019, designed by a private entity.
- In 2021, the Ministry of civil aviation introduced the Airspace map of India for drone operations.
- Human space programme Ganganyaan enhanced participation of private players to partner with innovative startups for solutions.
Conclusion:-
Government and private space companies should be treated equally through the creation of an independent body. India needs to draft a new space law that enables India to grow its share of global space economy to 10% within a decade, which requires a new kind of partnership between the ISRO, the established private sector, and the new generation of space entrepreneurs.
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