Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the Indian Space Policy-2023, which has been formulated as an overarching, composite and dynamic framework to implement the reform vision related to opening up of the space sector for private participation. It can act as a catalyst for the development of a robust, innovative and globally competitive space ecosystem in India due to following reasons:

• Robust Governance Framework: The policy spells out the specific roles of the Department of Space, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a public sector unit under the Department of Space.
• Education and Innovation: The policy aims to promote space-related education and innovation, including support to space-sector start-ups. With it, scientific temperament in the society can also be nurtured and awareness of space activities will also increase.
• Regulatory framework: The Government will create a stable and predictable regulatory framework to provide a level playing field to Non-Government Entities through IN-SPACE.
  • IN-SPACe will be an autonomous Government organization that will promote, guide, and authorize space activities in the country.
  • IN-SPACe will act as a single-window agency for authorizing space activities, promote industry clusters, and work with academia to widen the space ecosystem.
• Focus on Research and Development (R&D): According to this policy, the ISRO will focus on R&D in advanced technology, realisation of space objects for meeting national prerogatives and expanding human understanding of outer space.
  • Further, it will also share technologies, products, processes and best practices with NGEs (non-government entities) and/or Government companies.
• Private Sector Participation: Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) shall be allowed to undertake end-to-end activities in space sector through establishment and operation of space objects, ground-based assets and related services, such as communication, remote sensing, navigation, etc. Thus, the entire gamut of space activities will now be open to the private sector.
• Commercialization of publicly-funded assets: NSIL will be responsible for commercialising space technologies and platforms created through public expenditure. It will become the interface for interacting with the industry, undertake commercial negotiations and provide hand-holding support to ensure smooth and efficient transfer of technologies.

The Indian Space Policy 2023 sets the stage for a bold and ambitious future for India’s space sector, opening the door to innovation, collaboration, and international cooperation. However, it is essential to recognise that the global space landscape is not static but constantly evolving. India must embrace adaptability and strategic foresight to keep pace with these rapid changes.