In accordance with its mandate to open up the space sector to private actors, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has released the draft of a new Spacecom 2020 Policy to regulate the commercial use of orbital slots, satellites and ground stations. for communication needs. . The policy details how private players can obtain authorization to configure new communication satellites and ground stations.
Comments have been requested on the draft policy, with the last submission date being November 4. The policy will go into effect once the Union cabinet approves it.
Enabling private players in the space communications sector will also allow India to keep up with the growing demand for satellite broadcasting, network connectivity and global mobile personal communication. This will also establish India as a major player in the global space communications sector, the document states.
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The policy will allow only Indian entities to seek authorization for orbital slots for new satellites, existing satellite-based services and the installation of new ground stations. However, any company that sends a communications satellite into space will also be liable for damage to other objects in space and the environment. To cover this, companies will need to provide a financial guarantee or insurance coverage at the time of applying for authorization from the space department and then from India’s National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).
The policy will also protect the orbital resources or slots of India. Obtaining designated orbital slots is a time-consuming process that requires a lot of technical coordination and negotiations with other satellite operators in various countries to ensure interference-free operation of all satellites.
Private players will be able to purchase these orbital slots from the space PSU department at a cost. However, there is an international time stipulation for launching a satellite into the designated orbit and continued occupancy is essential. So to protect the orbital slot, private companies will have a schedule to put the satellites into operation. And if a company cannot replace a satellite, the slot will be assigned to another. India has brought 32 indigenous operational communications satellites since the 1980s.
Additionally, all existing ISRO-operated satellites, such as INSAT and GSAT, will be delivered to power supply units, such as New Space India Limited, at no or notional cost, which can then be charged as deemed appropriate for commercialization. .
“Although I have not yet reviewed the policy, it is a step in the right direction. However, what we really need is a comprehensive space policy that outlines how the government’s announcement of the opening of the space sector will actually be executed, and the policy and regulatory framework that would be needed. Said policy will also delimit the scientific missions to be carried out by ISRO, leaving routine missions to the private sector. It should clearly spell out the needs of India’s space sector and allow fair competition for the private space sector to deliver, ”said Rajeswari Rajagopalan, head of nuclear and space policy at the Observer Research Foundation.
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