Indian space Policy, 2023
The Indian Space Policy 2023 serves as a comprehensive and dynamic framework designed to implement major reforms in India’s space sector. The primary vision of this policy is to augment the nation’s space capabilities and encourage a flourishing commercial presence in space. It aims to utilize space technology for socio-economic development, environmental protection, and the peaceful exploration of outer space.
The Core Strategy: Privatization and Open Access
A major shift introduced by this policy is the holistic approach to encourage greater private sector participation across the entire value chain of the space economy.
Under this new framework, Indian consumers of space technology—such as communication, remote sensing, and launch services—are free to procure these services directly from any source, whether public or private. The government focuses on creating a stable, predictable regulatory framework to provide a level playing field for all participants.
The Four Institutional Pillars
To ensure smooth operations and prevent conflicts of interest, the policy clearly defines the roles of four distinct entities.
1) IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre)
IN-SPACe functions as an autonomous government organization mandated to promote, guide, and authorize space activities in the country.
- It acts as the single-window agency for authorizing space activities for both government and private entities.
- It grants permissions for establishing space objects, operating launch vehicles (including sub-orbital launches), and managing launch pads.
- It ensures a level playing field so that private companies can utilize facilities built with public funds.
2) ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
As the National Space Agency, ISRO is transitioning out of the routine manufacturing of operational space systems.
- Mature systems will be transferred to industries for commercial exploitation.
- ISRO will primarily focus on applied research, developing advanced technologies, and maintaining India’s edge in human spaceflight.
- It is tasked with demonstrating human spaceflight capability and developing a long-term roadmap for sustained human presence in space.
- ISRO will also undertake studies on utilizing in-situ resources and exploring extra-terrestrial habitability.
3. NSIL (NewSpace India Limited)
NSIL is a Public Sector Undertaking operating under the Department of Space.
- It is responsible for commercializing space technologies and platforms that were created through public expenditure.
- It will manufacture, lease, or procure space components and platforms on sound commercial principles.
4) Department of Space (DOS)
The DOS acts as the nodal department responsible for implementing the Indian Space Policy 2023.
- It oversees the distribution of responsibilities among all stakeholders.
- It coordinates international cooperation in global space governance.
- It is responsible for creating appropriate mechanisms to resolve any disputes arising from space activities.
The Role of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs)
The policy officially allows private companies, referred to as Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs), to undertake end-to-end activities in the space sector.
- NGEs can establish and operate their own space objects, communication satellites, and remote sensing satellite systems.
- They are permitted to manufacture and operate space transportation systems, including launch vehicles and reusable technologies.
- Significantly, the policy allows NGEs to engage in the commercial recovery of asteroid or space resources. Any NGE engaged in this process is entitled to possess, own, transport, use, and sell these obtained resources in accordance with applicable laws.
Remote Sensing Data Sharing Rules
The policy establishes clear rules for accessing and sharing satellite data to balance public utility with national security:
- Open Access: Remote sensing data with a Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) of 5 meters and higher will be made easily accessible on a ‘free and open’ basis to everyone.
- High-Resolution Data: The dissemination of highly detailed satellite data (GSD of 30 cm or less) requires strict authorization from IN-SPACe due to national security considerations.
- Archived Data: ISRO will make archived satellite data available on a ‘free and open’ basis for research and value-addition purposes.
The Space Policy 2023 is a forward-looking document reflecting good intentions and a vision. But it is not enough. What is urgently needed is a time frame to provide the necessary legal framework to translate this vision into reality, to successfully launch India into the Second Space Age.
