[Answered] What is India’s Second Space Age? How is it possible to utilise the full potential of the Second Space Age?

Introduction:

The First Space Age began in the 1950s with the launch of Sputnik 1 and culminated in Neil Armstrong’s moon landing in 1969. The Second Space Age is characterized by a shift from government dominance to private sector involvement, with companies like SpaceX leading the way. India made a modest entry into the First Space Age in the 1960s and has since made significant progress in space exploration and satellite technology.

How is it possible to utilise the full potential of the Second Space Age?

• Recognize the potential: The global space economy is estimated to reach $600 billion by 2025, and India’s space economy is expected to be $13 billion by the same year. The country has an opportunity to exceed $60 billion by 2030.
• Foster an enabling environment: Develop an inclusive policy and regulatory framework to support the growth of the private sector in space exploration and satellite technology.
• Encourage private sector participation: Support and collaborate with space start-ups to leverage their innovative ideas and technological advancements.
• Enhance satellite services: Invest in satellite infrastructure and services to meet the growing demand for data-intensive applications, such as broadband, OTT, and 5G.
• Focus on downstream activities: Emphasize satellite services and associated ground segment development, as they account for over 70% of India’s space economy.
• Strengthen research and development: Leverage the expertise and resources of organizations like ISRO to support research and development efforts in space technology.

Way forward:

• Introduce legislation: Enact comprehensive space activities act to provide legal grounding, establish a regulatory authority, and create a favorable environment for venture capital funding in the Indian space start-up industry.
• Establish a regulatory authority: Clearly define the role of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) as either a licensing authority or a regulator to streamline operations and decision-making processes.
• Encourage industry collaboration: Foster collaboration between ISRO and the private sector, enabling the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise for mutual growth and development.
• Promote international partnerships: Seek partnerships and collaborations with other space-faring nations and organizations to leverage their expertise and expand India’s capabilities in space exploration.

Conclusion:

India’s entry into the Second Space Age presents immense opportunities for the country to tap into the growing global space economy. By fostering an enabling environment, encouraging private sector participation, and focusing on downstream activities, India can harness the full potential of the Second Space Age.