Contents
- 1 What is space infrastructure?
- 2 What are the components of space infrastructure and India’s progress in these infrastructure?
- 3 What is the significance of development of Space Infrastructre in India?
- 4 What are the challenges in further development of space infrastructure in India?
- 5 What should be the Way forward?
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Development of Space Infrastructure in India has played a crucial role in the success of Indian Space Sector. Indian Space sector is being primarily led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). There has been a considerable development in ISRO’s space infrastructure since its inception in 1962. The development of these critical infrastructure has attracted private players and private investments in the space sector.
What is space infrastructure?
Space infrastructure refers to the physical and organizational components which are necessary to support human activities and operations in space. This infrastructure is critical for various space-related endeavours, including scientific research, communication, navigation, national security, and commercial ventures.
What are the components of space infrastructure and India’s progress in these infrastructure?
The various components of space infrastructure and India’s progress in these infrastructures are mentioned below.
| Components | India’s organisation and its achievements |
| Launch Vehicle Technology | Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram is responsible for the design and development of launch vehicle technology. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)-SHAR is the spaceport of India and provides the launch base infrastructure facilities in launching these vehicles. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is responsible for the design, development, and realisation of advanced propulsion systems for launch vehicles and space propulsion systems for spacecrafts.Major achievements of VSSC,SDSC,LPSC has been enumerated below-Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)- The PSLV is capable of launching satellites weighing up to approximately 1,750 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbits (SSO) and around 3,800 kilograms to geosynchronous transfer orbits (GTO). It has been used to launch Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter in 2008 and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013. It has been the workhorse of ISRO. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)-The GSLV is used to deploy communication satellites, weather satellites and other payloads into various orbits.There are different versions of GSLV, including GSLV Mk I, GSLV Mk II and GSLV Mk III (also known as LVM-3 or GSLV Mk III). GSLV has been more powerful than PSLV. Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)- GSLV Mk III is the heaviest and most powerful launch vehicle developed by ISRO and is primarily used for launching heavier payloads into GTO and beyond. It has played a crucial role in India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission to the Moon and the launch of the GSAT series of communication satellites. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)- It is a type of rocket designed specifically to launch small satellites into space. These small satellites are often referred to as CubeSats or SmallSats. These are typically much smaller and lighter than the traditional larger satellites. These have been developed for increased launch of small private sector satellites. Critical technologies towards human spaceflight Gaganyaan- These have been designed by VSSC, SDSC and LPSC. |
| Satellites | U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC)-Bengaluru, Space Applications Centre (SAC)-Ahmedabad and ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC)-Bengaluru have helped in the development of various satellites ranging from navigation to communication. Some of the Major satellite series of India are as follows- INSAT (Indian National Satellite System)- A series of communication satellites that have provided a wide range of services, including telecommunication, television broadcasting, and meteorology. |
| Lunar, Martian and Human Space Infrastructure | Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) has helped India develop critical technologies which will help India in sending humans in space. Some critical technologies have already been tested in our Lunar and Martian missions like the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. |
| Commercial Space Ventures | Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL), New Space India Limited (NSIL) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) have been created to increase the private sector participation in the space sector. |
What is the significance of development of Space Infrastructre in India?
Boost to India’s push for “Space Industrialization”- The development of India’s space infrastructure provides an opportunity for India to push for Space Industrialization.
Boost to the Indian space-tech ecosystem- The development of Indian space infrastructure has given a major boost to Make in India space program. India’s space economy can reach $100 billion by 2040.
Boost to future ISRO’s Vision and programs– The growth and development of Indian space infrastructure has given boost to ISRO’s future vision like launch of satellites powered by electric motors, quantum communications, human space flight, reusable launch vehicles, planetary habitation and interplanetary communications.
Enhancement of India’s role and position in the Artemis accord- India is now a member of the Artemis Accords (the U.S.-led multilateral effort to place humans on the moon by 2025 and thereafter to expand human space exploration to the earth’s wider neighbourhood in the solar system). With the growth of the infrastructure of space missions, India has an opportunity to lead the other Artemis countries alongside the U.S.
Expansion of cooperation in outer space- While geo-political rivalry is a reality, India’s space infra provides it an opportunity to limit competition and expand cooperation in outer space. India can also gain military advantage in space over their geopolitical rivals on Earth.
Read More- Forum IAS
What are the challenges in further development of space infrastructure in India?
Budgetary Challenges in expansion of space infrastructure- Space sector faces budget constraints despite its successes in launching missions. There has been an 8% decline in budget allocations to ISRO in 2023-2024 with respect to 2022-2023. The funds allocated to the space sector are very less in comparison to other countries. The US spent 10 times and China 6 times more than India in the space sector in 2019-20.
Manpower Challenges- ISRO faces manpower challenge due to the problem of Brain Drain and fewer students pursuing advanced spaced space studies.
Solely Government funded space infrastructure- Some critics have argued that such massive spending by the government alone in these space infrastructure curtail Indian government’s spending capability in social sectors like poverty alleviation, education and health which must be the priority for developing country like India.
Absence of a Clear Legislative Framework- The draft Space Activities bill which was introduced way back in 2017 but hasn’t been passed yet. This has hindered the further growth and development of the space infra in India.
Lack of robust Dispute Settlement Mechanism- This discourages private investment in the space infrastructure in India. The void was seen in Antrix – Devas cancelled satellite deal. The Government of India owes nearly $1.2 billion to Devas Multimedia as per an order of a tribunal of the International Chamber of Commerce.
Technological Challenges- ISRO faces technological up gradation challenges like powerful launch vehicles with higher payload capacity. It was seen in the case of Chandrayaan-3. While Chandrayaan-3 took nearly six weeks to get to the Moon, the failed Russian mission Luna-25 took just one week to touch down (although it crashed).
What should be the Way forward?
Push for privatization- India must frame its space policy to allow for greater private sector investment in field of space technology and infrastructure. India’s space programmes should be driven by commerce.
Passage of space Activities Bill- The passage of the Space Activities Bill should also be done in order to give private players greater clarity and protection. This should involve proper consultation and discussions with the concerned stakeholders.
Setting up Space Dispute Tribunal- The plan to set up an independent tribunal to adjudicate disputes among private space entities should be implemented promptly.
Enhanced International Collaboration- India must do more collaboration and research with pioneer countries like the US & Russia who have already ramped up their space infra.
Conclusion-
Indian Space sector possesses huge untapped potential which can be realized with adequate policy measures by the government. This would boost the confidence of the private sector and deliver optimum results, thereby helping the country acquire the top spot in the global space industry.
Read More- The Hindu
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