India's Space Ambitions: The Urgent Need for a National Space Law
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science and Technology (Space Missions, National Bodies like ISRO & IN-SPACe), International Relations (Key International Treaties).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; Important aspects of governance.
General Studies Paper 3: Awareness in the fields of Space; Achievements of Indians in science & technology; Indigenization of technology; Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Key Highlights from the News
Detailed Explanation: Key Concepts and Bodies
Outer Space Treaty, 1967:
Known as the 'Magna Carta' of space law. Its main principles:
Space exploration should be for the benefit of all nations.
All nations have the freedom to explore and use outer space.
No nation can claim sovereignty over outer space.
No nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction should be placed in outer space.
A nation is fully responsible internationally for space activities carried out by its government or private entities.
IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center):
An independent, single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space.
Main Objective: To promote, authorize, and oversee the space activities of private entities.
Indian Space Policy, 2023:
Main Objective: To institutionalize private participation in the space sector.
This policy clarifies the roles of ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL - ISRO's commercial arm), and IN-SPACe. While ISRO focuses on research and development, NSIL will conduct commercial activities, and IN-SPACe will act as the regulator for the private sector.
Space Debris:
Refers to human-made, unusable objects in space (old satellites, rocket parts). This poses a major threat to operational satellites and future missions.
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