Risks Rise Above Earth Too

News: The Ukraine crisis will have affects for space programmes globally, and also harsh lessons for India.

Read – US not ready for a solo space ride

Other than the International Space Station Program, the risks to space cooperation could come in three ways: First, due to sanctions. Second, due to physical destruction or control of aerospace facilities in Ukraine. Third, potential attempts by either side to disrupt the other’s use of space for military purposes.

How the present developments hinder India’s space program?

Due to sanctions: Sanctions are likely to place limitations on India’s ability to work simultaneously with Russia, the EU, and the US. India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight project, which relies on Russian cooperation, will probably experience delays. For example, in 2014, the US placed restrictions on two Russian military-linked outfits that work on space technologies.

However, this situation can turn positive for India, as Russia may offer more favorable terms of cooperation to India. India can also jump into the business of launching satellites stranded due to sanctions.

Due to destruction in Ukraine: India’s own collaborative projects with Ukraine are under threat. For example the development of semi-cryogenic engines that could have allowed ISRO to launch heavier payloads into geostationary orbit.

Furthermore, even if Ukrainian capacity is not destroyed, it will be subject to political equations.

Warfare in space: Present crisis may lead to conflict among powers in space because they will be able to deny other parties the intelligence and power space provides.

What should be done by India?

First, India should start making its own efforts to defend its assets in space. The Tri services Defense Space Agency was formally set up in Bengaluru in 2019 but it has made little progress.

Second, Besides capacity building, India should publish a military space doctrine that clears the air on how it will respond to any attempts to contest its use of space.

Third, India must reduce risks to itself by diversifying its space partnerships and encouraging foreign direct investment into its private space sector.

Finally, India must develop the capacity to defend its ability to use space for its own prosperity and security.

Source: This post is based on the article “Risks Rise Above Earth Too” published in Times of India on 7th March 2022.