Space Industry in India: Potential and Challenges

Space Industry in India: Potential and Challenges

In recent time India’s space program has achieved numerous successes through its state-owned agency – Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Recently another feather in the cap was added with the launch of Brazil’s Amazonia-1 satellite last week from Sriharikota.

Growing of India’s space industry

The sector has grown exponentially over the last six decades with considerable expansion in its scope and domain. The success of the sector can be attributed to Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and other notable people. All of them believed in the potential of India’s Space sector. The country spent around US$ 1.8 billion on space programs in 2019-20. The country on average launched 5-7 satellites per year in recent years while the figure for the US is around 19 satellites. Similarly, China launches approximately 34 satellites.

Initiatives in Space Sector of India

The Indian space sector have been opened in June 2020 by the Government. It allowed the participation of the Indian private sector in the entire domain of space activities. This includes satellite creation, launches, and space-based services that were earlier not open to them. The bill aims to promote and regulate the space activities of India. It focuses on encouraging the participation of private-sector agencies under the guidance and authorisation of the government through the Department of Space. ISRO and its research centers have active programs with academic and research institutes across the country. They are also training personnel from numerous countries around the globe.

Opportunities for Space Sector of India

1. Satellite manufacturing: As security agencies develop greater need for space technologies, ISRO will need to balance its routine development of remote sensing and telecommunications missions with greater delivery requirements for national security.
2. Earth observation: New markets can be opened for hyperspectral imaging and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), both of which can be deployed on small satellites and will require the import of advanced technologies from countries such as the United States.
3. Communication: Satellite communication is still the largest services market, and there is considerable demand in India for satellite-based services for communication purposes. This is likely to increase with the implementation of initiatives like 5Gand Bharat Net, alongside India’s broader digital goals.
4. Defense: The Integrated Space Cell in the Ministry of Defense utilizes India’s space assets for military purposes. The Ministry currently has exclusive use of14 satellites, by which it monitors threats against India’s satellite network. With an increased focus on space travel and exploration, defense opportunities will likely increase

Challenges for India’s Space Sector

1. The funds allocated to the space sector are very less in comparison to other countries. The US spent 10 times and China 6 times more than India in the space sector in 2019-20.
2. The draft Space Activities bill was introduced way back in 2017 but hasn’t been passed yet.
3. Lack of robust Dispute Settlement Mechanism discourages private investment in the space sector. The void was seen in Antrix – Devas cancelled satellite deal. The Government of India owes nearly $1.2 billion to Devas Multimedia as per an order of a tribunal of the International Chamber of Commerce.
4. India produces the best brains in the world but is unable to retain them. People emigrate from the country for better opportunities and careers that might hamper the development of the space sector.
5. Although India has a good potential to launch satellites, managing a huge number of satellites in space could be a challenging task in the future. This should be done keeping in mind the possibilities of a future space war