Opening up the space

Context: Privatisation of space sector will increase opportunities in India.

Advantages of steps taken:

• Permission to use ISRO facilities: Relieve companies of the burden of going overseas to test equipment, perform launches, and access geospatial data.

• Push for startups : Access to ISRO team would be valuable for start-ups by provisioning of geospatial data and tenders.

• Overcoming manpower and budgetary constraints: The private sector could help meet shortfalls without placing extra burden on the exchequer.

• Multidimensional opportunities: Space exploration as positive relations to geospatially - dependent businesses like agriculture and environmental management, huge advances in health care, weather prediction, and material sciences.

Way forward: 

• Due legislation: Delineating regulations to ensure consistency and predictability will be required to provide a level playing field for private players, need provisions clarifying eligibility criteria for licensing commercial activity.
• New roles: The New Space India Ltd, may also have to rethink its role to ensure that it becomes a more efficient interface between the government and private sector.