BENGALURU: Paving the way for the government’s opening up of the space sector aimed at greater private participation,
Indian National Space Promotion
and Authorization Centre (
IN-SPACe
) Friday released a comprehensive guidelines/regulations to streamline the process for non-government entities (NGEs) to undertake various space activities, ranging from satellite launches and operations to ground station establishment and remote sensing data dissemination.
Officials from IN-SPACe told TOI the guidelines are “meant for effective implementation of the Indian Space Police 2023.”
In June 2020, the Centre announced the unlocking of the space sector to boost private investment and innovation. This was followed by the creation of IN-SPACe in October 2021 as a single window nodal agency to authorise and supervise space activities by both government and private players.
The newly released Indian Space Policy-2023 has outlined the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, as well as the activities that require mandatory authorisation from IN-SPACe. This policy framework has paved the way for the formulation of detailed norms, guidelines, and procedures by IN-SPACe, covering various aspects of space operations.
Under the new regulations, any entity, whether Indian or foreign, carrying out space activities from Indian territory, its exclusive economic zone, or within its jurisdiction, needs to obtain prior authorisation from IN-SPACe.
This requirement extends to a wide range of activities, including launching, operating, guiding, or re-entering space objects, establishing communication and remote sensing satellites, hosting payloads, operating space transportation systems, and disseminating high-resolution remote sensing data pertaining to Indian territory.
The application process for obtaining authorisation involves rigorous scrutiny of the applicant’s technical, financial, and operational capabilities. Adherence to national and international laws, regulations, and treaties related to space activities is also a mandatory requirement. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to mitigate space debris and adverse environmental impacts, as well as ensure the protection of intellectual property rights.
One of the key aspects covered by the new regulations is the establishment and operation of ground stations within India. Indian entities require specific authorization from IN-SPACe to set up satellite control centres, telemetry, tracking and command stations, and mission control centres. These facilities are subject to stringent security protocols and must comply with relevant government approvals, frequency allocations, and data handling procedures.
The dissemination of high-resolution and lower-resolution earth observation/remote sensing data pertaining to Indian territory is also regulated under the new framework. Indian entities engaged in data dissemination must obtain authorisation from IN-SPACe and adhere to registration processes and regulations specific to their operations.
Additionally, the guidelines address third-party liability issues arising from potential damages caused by space activities. Launch operators are mandated to maintain third-party liability insurance, with the minimum amount, insurance period, and terms prescribed by IN-SPACe. The regulations also cover liability aspects for launches from Indian territory and outside, as well as for Indian and non-Indian space objects being launched.
In a move to promote sustainable space operations, the guidelines also outline the process for registering space objects in India’s National Registry. Operators must provide detailed information about their space objects, ensuring compliance with space debris mitigation guidelines and operational safety protocols.
With these comprehensive regulations in place, India aims to leverage its technological capabilities and foster a vibrant space ecosystem involving both government and private entities. The new framework not only provides a roadmap for NGEs to participate in space activities but also ensures compliance with national security considerations and adherence to international regulations, officials added.
