Satellites, Science, and the New Fight for Spectrum in Space

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 –Science and technology

Introduction

A rapid expansion of satellites, especially megaconstellations, has created intense competition for radio frequencies and orbital slots. These resources are limited, yet they are essential for communication, navigation, and scientific activity in space. As more nations and private companies enter this domain, the pressure on spectrum, orbital safety, and governance frameworks has increased. This expanding activity now shapes global technological competition, economic opportunities, connectivity goals, and national security strategies across the world.

Spectrum, Orbits and the Megaconstellation Boom

1. Spectrum Matters: Satellite communication depends on radio frequencies that enable data transmission between satellites and ground stations. Important bands such as the Ku, Ka, and L bands support high-speed internet and navigation. Because these bands are limited, operators must coordinate to avoid interference.
2. Orbital Slots Are Important: Satellites also need specific orbital positions to provide consistent coverage. Low-Earth orbit offers low latency, while geostationary orbit offers constant visibility. As more satellites enter orbit, the competition for these locations has intensified.
3. Unprecedented Scale of Deployment

• Megaconstellations have grown rapidly.Large constellations now dominate activity in low-Earth orbit.
• Starlink operates over 8,000 satellites and plans up to 42,000. OneWeb, Kuiper, and GuoWang are also expanding. This growth is driven by falling launch costs and rising demand.
• The market is projected to rise from $4.27 billion in 2024 to $27.31 billion by 2032. For many states, such networks also support goals of technological autonomy in space communications.

4. Strategic Dimensions: For many countries, megaconstellations are not just commercial tools. They represent an effort to build independent space-communication capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign systems.

Global Governance: ITU and the Coordination Challenge

1. ITU’s Mandate and Principles

• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN agency with 194 member states, governs global satellite spectrum and orbital slots.
• It treats these resources as limited assets that must be used rationally and efficiently. Operators must file frequency applications and coordinate with others before receiving recognition.

2. First-Come, First-Served System

The ITU’s process gives a natural advantage to early applicants who have the capital and expertise to navigate complex filings. This favours established spacefaring nations and companies. Late entrants may find desirable combinations of spectrum and orbital positions already taken.

3. Reforms Through Resolution (2023)

• To prevent companies from reserving orbits without using them, the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 introduced Resolution 8.
• It requires operators to match declared plans with actual deployments and to meet milestones of 10% in two years, 50% in five years, and full deployment in seven years. These rules bring more transparency but do not fully remove capacity pressures.
• The ITU’s 2023 resolution on sustainable use requires satellites to be removed within 25 years of mission completion. This aims to limit debris and protect orbital space for future use.

4. Mounting Pressure on ITU Systems

The ITU framework was designed decades ago for a small number of satellites. Today, it faces enormous strain as thousands of satellites are launched every year. Its 2025-2029 plan identifies spectrum and orbital management as its highest priority due to this growing complexity.

Digital Divide and the Promise and Limits of LEO Satellites

1. Persistent Global Connectivity Gap

• Despite major technological progress, a very large share of the world remains offline. The Global Connectivity Index shows clear inequality: Switzerland scores 34.41, while India scores only 8.59, reflecting a wide gap in digital readiness.
• At the start of 2025, about 2.6 billion people still lacked internet access, with most of the unconnected population living in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

2. Technical Benefits of LEO Satellites: Low-Earth orbit satellites offer much lower latency compared to geostationary satellites, making applications like online education and telemedicine more practical in areas without terrestrial networks.
3. Affordability Barriers

• High equipment cost remains a major obstacle. The Starlink user terminal costs around $600 (₹53,168), which is too expensive for most rural households. Monthly fees further increase the burden.
• The ITU’s Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint estimates that closing the digital divide globally by 2030 will require $2.6–2.8 trillion in investments.

India’s Evolving Space Policy

1. Shift from Developmental Focus to Prestige and Security:

• India began with a development-oriented programme but now also pursues exploration and security goals.
• Successes such as Chandrayaan-3, Mangalyaan, Gaganyaan, and Aditya-L1 mark this shift. India plans a national space station by 2035, reflecting rising ambitions.

2. Growing Private Sector Participation:

• Policies now support private involvement across the value chain. IN-SPACe and NSIL guide commercial activity. India’s space economy may rise to $44 billion by 2033.
• FDI liberalisation and private missions like Vikram-S show growing capacity. Agreements with Starlink, Jio, and Airtel signal expanding commercial partnerships.

3. Strengthening Military Capabilities

• India uses space for surveillance, communication, and navigation. NavIC, GAGAN, and dedicated military satellites support defence operations.
• Mission Shakti showed India’s ASAT capability, though conducted with measures to limit debris.
• New institutions such as the Defence Space Agency and Defence Space Research Organisation deepen military integration.

4. Space as a Foreign Policy Tool: India uses satellites to support neighbours and the Global South. The South Asia Satellite offers public goods to regional partners. A G20 climate-observation mission proposal reflects this role.
5. Selective Approach to Global Space Governance

• India supports sustainability guidelines and participates in United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS).
• It backs legally binding agreements like Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) but remains cautious about voluntary norms that lack inclusive rulemaking.
• India’s choices balance autonomy with cooperation, especially with the U.S., including through Artemis Accords and the TRUST initiative.

Conclusion

The rapid growth of megaconstellations has intensified competition for limited spectrum and orbital slots, placing heavy strain on global coordination systems and increasing risks from congestion and debris. Connectivity benefits are real, but uneven access, affordability barriers, and weak governance deepen inequality. A sustainable and inclusive global framework is essential to keep space accessible for future needs.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the rise of megaconstellations has intensified competition for spectrum and orbital slots and the implications this has for global governance and digital inclusion.

Source: The Hindu