NEWS – IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) released norms, guidelines, and procedures (NGP) for implementing the Indian Space Policy 2023

AIM – Provide a predictable regulatory regime, transparency, and ease of doing business in the Indian space sector

KEY POINTS OF THE NGP DOCUMENT

• Lists space activities requiring authorization from IN-SPACe.
• Specifies criteria for granting authorizations and provides guidelines/pre-requisites for applicants.
• Entities conducting space activities to or from Indian territory or within India’s jurisdiction need authorization from IN-SPACe.

AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE ACTIVITIES

• Authorization needed for ground systems like satellite control centres, telemetry, tracking and command, mission control centres, remote sensing data reception stations, and ground stations supporting space-based services.

IN-SPACE

• IN-SPACe established in October 2021 as part of reforms in the space sector by the Government of India.
• Aims to enhance private sector participation in space activities.
• Mandate includes regulating and authorizing space activities by Government and Non-Government Entities (NGEs) and promoting, enabling, and supervising NGEs in space activities.

INDIAN SPACE POLICY 2023 (ISP 2023)

• Private Sector Participation:
  • ISP 2023 aims to institutionalize private sector participation while ISRO focuses on R&D of advanced space technologies.
  • Private sector involvement spans end-to-end activities such as satellite and rocket manufacturing, launch vehicles, data collection, and dissemination.
• Private Sector Infrastructure:
  • The policy encourages private investment in new infrastructure for the space sector and provides a framework for using ISRO facilities for a fee.
• Global Space Economy Target:
  • India’s goal is to increase its share in the global space economy from less than 2% to 10%.
• Roles and Responsibilities:
  • ISRO will concentrate on developing new technologies and systems, excluding operational and production work.
  • NSIL (New Space India Limited) will handle strategic space activities in a demand-driven manner.
  • IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) will serve as the interface between ISRO and non-governmental entities.
• Operational Missions:
  • NSIL will take over operational aspects of ISRO’s missions, allowing ISRO to focus on research and development.