New Delhi: Weeks after the Cabinet committee approved the Indian Space Policy 2023, yesterday, i.e., April 20, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the regulation, which aims to encourage and promote private sector participation in the entire value chain of the space economy, including the creation of space and ground-based assets. The policy comes after the opening up of the space domain in 2020 and seeks to provide regulatory certainty to space activities for various stakeholders in order to create a thriving space ecosystem.
The vision segment of the space policy states that the regulation aims to augment India’s space capabilities and pursue international relations for national security and the exploration of outer space. Through this policy, the government will focus on creating a stable and predictable regulatory framework for private players in the space sector to sustain and augment the space programme and provide public goods and services using space technology. It also aims to promote space-related education and support space sector start-ups.
The strategy section of the policy states that the government will use space as a driver for overall technology development, nurture scientific temperament in society, and increase awareness of space activities. The policy provides specifics on what non-governmental entities or private players are allowed to do regarding taking up space activities, the role of ISRO, and other government bodies such as the ISRO’s commercial arm NewSpace India Limited, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, and the Department of Space.
The Indian Space Policy 2023 applies to any space activity to or from Indian territory or within the jurisdiction of India, including the area to the limit of its exclusive economic zone. The much-awaited policy provides regulatory certainty to the space industry and is expected to spur growth and innovation in the sector.
With the increasing global interest in space exploration and commercial space activities, the Indian Space Policy 2023 marks a significant step in India’s journey towards becoming a major player in the space economy. The policy’s emphasis on private sector participation and the promotion of space-related education and start-ups is expected to create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers in the country.
Furthermore, the policy’s focus on augmenting India’s space capabilities and pursuing international relations for national security is expected to enhance the country’s strategic and geopolitical interests.
In conclusion, the Indian Space Policy 2023 is a comprehensive and dynamic framework that aims to create a thriving space ecosystem in India. It provides regulatory certainty to various stakeholders in the space industry and promotes private sector participation, research and development, and space-related education. The policy is expected to spur growth and innovation in the sector and enhance India’s strategic and geopolitical interests in the space domain.
