Date : 19/10/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology

Keywords – NETRA, DSA, DRDO, Space X

Context

India's commitment to international collaboration in space exploration for the betterment of humanity was highlighted during a recent conference in New Delhi. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized India's dedication to using outer space for peaceful purposes and urged all spacefaring nations, including China, to engage in open dialogue, ensuring transparency and stability in space activities.

India's Peaceful Space Endeavors:

India's space program, marked by transparency and accountability, has achieved significant milestones. Despite the historical space achievements of nations like the USA and the Soviet Union, India's Chandrayaan missions have made groundbreaking discoveries, such as detecting water on the Moon's surface. The collaboration with leading global space agencies reflects India's peaceful intent in space exploration.

Cost-Effective and Innovative Approach:

India's space missions have been lauded for their cost-effectiveness, leveraging human resources and skills. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the efficiency of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, which cost significantly less than similar international endeavors. This frugal innovation approach has enabled India to excel in space technology applications, benefiting various sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Public-Private Partnership and Entrepreneurship:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary approach opened the doors of the space sector to the private industry. The introduction of numerous space startups, from just a handful in 2014 to over 150 within a few years, exemplifies India's dynamic entrepreneurial spirit. The establishment of the "Anusandhan National Research Foundation" fosters greater public-private partnerships, propelling India towards cutting-edge scientific research and technological advancements.

Economic Impact and Future Projections:

India's space endeavors have not only contributed to scientific progress but also bolstered the nation's economy. With the launch of numerous foreign satellites, India has earned substantial revenue, positioning itself as a key player in the global space industry. Projections suggest that India's space economy could reach remarkable heights, potentially reaching $100 billion by 2040, according to international reports.

Current Status of India's Space Sector

• India's space sector has garnered global recognition for its prowess in building cost-effective satellites and launching foreign satellites into space. Committed to the peaceful and civilian use of outer space, India staunchly opposes the weaponization of space capabilities, aligning with its commitment to the Geneva Conference on Disarmament. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stands as the sixth largest space agency globally, boasting an exceptional success rate. India also takes pride in its vibrant private space industry, with over 400 companies, ranking fifth in the world in terms of the number of space enterprises.

Recent Developments:

• Defence Space Agency (DSA) and Defence Space Mission: India has established the Defence Space Agency (DSA) supported by the Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO). The DSA is tasked with developing weapons to "degrade, disrupt, destroy, or deceive an adversary’s space capability." Furthermore, the Indian Prime Minister launched the Defence Space Mission at the Defence Expo 2022 in Gandhinagar, marking a significant stride in India's defense-oriented space initiatives.
• Satellite Manufacturing Expansion: India's satellite manufacturing capabilities are set to soar, with projections reaching USD 3.2 billion by 2025, a substantial increase from the USD 2.1 billion recorded in 2020. This expansion signals India's growing prominence in the global satellite manufacturing landscape.
• SAMVAD Program: In a bid to foster space research among young minds, ISRO initiated the SAMVAD program. This Student Outreach Program is conducted at ISRO's Bengaluru facility, serving as a catalyst for nurturing the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

India's space sector continues to evolve, embracing innovation, collaboration, and strategic initiatives that reinforce its position as a pioneering force in the realm of space exploration and technology.

Current Major Challenges in the Space Sector:

• Lack of Regulations on Commercialization: The rapid commercialization of outer space, driven by ventures like SpaceX's Starlink for Internet services and space tourism, presents a challenge. The absence of a robust regulatory framework may lead to monopolization, raising concerns about fair competition and equitable access to space resources.
• Rising Space Debris: With the increase in space expeditions, the accumulation of space debris poses a significant challenge. Even small debris pieces, due to their high speeds, can potentially damage operational spacecraft, posing risks to both manned and unmanned missions. Managing this debris is critical to ensuring the safety of future space endeavors.
• China's Space Advancements: China's swift progress in the space industry, exemplified by the successful launch of its own navigation system, BeiDou, raises concerns. The potential integration of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) members into their space sector could solidify China's global influence. Moreover, this growth raises the specter of space weaponization, intensifying geopolitical tensions.
• Increasing Global Trust Deficit: The arms race for the weaponization of outer space has led to a climate of suspicion, competition, and aggression worldwide. This trend not only jeopardizes satellites essential for scientific exploration and communication services but also raises the risk of international conflicts. The erosion of trust among nations further complicates collaboration and peaceful coexistence in space exploration efforts.

Navigating these challenges requires international cooperation, stringent regulations, and diplomatic efforts to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of outer space resources. Addressing these issues is paramount to safeguarding the future of space exploration and maintaining peace and security on Earth and beyond.

Way Forward

• Securing India's Space Assets: To safeguard its space assets, including satellites and defend against space debris, India must enhance its tracking capabilities. Initiatives like Project NETRA, an early warning system designed to detect hazards to Indian satellites, mark a significant stride in this direction, ensuring the protection of vital space infrastructure.
• Advocating for a Permanent Seat in Space: India should proactively collaborate with international organizations and advocate for a planetary defense program. Engaging in joint space missions and fostering global cooperation can pave the way for India to secure a permanent seat in space governance. Additionally, initiatives like the Gaganyan mission, focusing on manned space flight, contribute to India's evolving space presence.
• Promoting Gender Equality in Space: Emulating the UNOOSA's Space4Women project, India can promote gender equality and empower women in the space sector. Launching space awareness programs in rural areas and establishing College-ISRO Internship corridors, specifically tailored for female students, can inspire young minds. AzaadiSAT, crafted by 750 schoolgirls from India, exemplifies the nation's progress in this regard.
• Technological Innovation for a Cleaner Space: India can pioneer innovative solutions for space sustainability. Introducing technologies like self-eating rockets, self-vanishing satellites, and robotic arms for space debris retrieval can position India as a problem solver and explorer in the global space arena. Embracing these advancements aligns with India's vision for cleaner and sustainable space exploration.

Conclusion:

India's approach to space exploration stands as a beacon of peaceful collaboration, emphasizing transparency, innovation, and economic growth. Through open dialogue, cost-effective missions, and strategic public-private partnerships, India is not only advancing its space capabilities but also contributing significantly to the global pursuit of knowledge beyond Earth's boundaries. As nations come together in the spirit of cooperation, the future of space exploration holds the promise of unprecedented discoveries and shared progress for all humankind.

Source – India.gov.in