The growing strategic importance of outer space

Synopsis: India is looking to bolster outer space cooperation with US and other QUAD members. Many reforms have also been initiated towards this direction. But, the growing strategic salience of outer space demands substantive national policy action in India.

Introduction

Technological progress in the last two decades has also “produced” new domains for human activity. One is “cyberspace” that drives so much of modern life. The other is the “outer space”, a rapidly evolving domain that is seeing more commerce and competition.

In opening new pathways for outer space cooperation both India and US have agreed to continue and expand their partnership in this new domain and many areas of critical and emerging technology, like cyber, health security, semiconductors, AI, 5G, 6G and blockchain. This is a part of the technological agenda outlined in Washington last week.

At the bilateral level, Delhi and Washington have agreed to intensify space cooperation; and the Quad has set up a new working group to discuss space-related issues.

Rationale behind India’s interest in outer space

Delhi’s new strategic interest in outer space is based on a recognition of two important trends.

One is the centrality of emerging technologies in shaping the 21st-century global order.

Second is about the urgency of writing new rules for the road to peace and stability in outer space.

The new emphasis on space cooperation is also a part of a much larger technology agenda outlined by India and its Quad partners.

Why outer space cooperation b/w QUAD members is necessary?

Although human activity into space began in the middle of the 20th century, the intensity of that activity as well as its commercial and security implications have dramatically increased in recent decades.

Firstly, In the future, outer space is going to be a location for lucrative business

Secondly, space will gradually evolve into a critical factor in shaping the military balance of power on the earth. Hence, there is a growing competition among states.

Thirdly, the dramatic expansion of Chinese space capabilities and Beijing’s ambition to dominate outer space have given a new urgency for outer space cooperation. Democratic powers are looking to come together to secure their national interests as well as promote sustainable order in the skies above.

What is Space Situational Awareness (SSA)?

Space situational awareness (SSA) involves monitoring the movement of all objects — natural (meteors) and man-made (satellites) — and tracking space weather.

International cooperation on space situational awareness is similar to the agreements on maritime domain awareness — that facilitate sharing of information on a range of ocean metrics.

Indo-US cooperation on outer space

India has developed significant space capabilities over the decades. The US recognises that it can’t unilaterally define the space order anymore and is looking for partners.

The India-US joint statement issued in Washington highlighted plans to finalise a Space Situational Awareness Memorandum of Understanding that will help in sharing of data and services towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space activities by the end of the year.

When signed, the agreement with the US on SSA will be the first of its kind for India. Washington has agreements with more than two dozen countries on SSA.

Artemis accords: The US and Indian delegations have also discussed a US initiative called the Artemis Accords — that seek to develop norms for activity in the Moon and other planetary objects.

What is the way forward?

As commercial and military activity in outer space grows, the 20th-century agreements like Outer Space Treaty and the Moon Treaty (1979) need reinforcement and renewal.

Though India has taken steps, but the scale of the challenges and opportunities in outer space demand more urgent and sweeping reform.

That can only be mandated by the highest political level. Back in 2015, PM’s speech on the Indian Ocean focused national attention on maritime affairs. India could do with a similar intervention on outer space today.

Source: This post is based on the article “The growing strategic importance of outer space” published in The Indian Express on 28th Sep 2021.