IN-SPACe unveils space policy protocols

NEW DELHI: Space regulator IN-SPACe on Friday unveiled norms, guidelines and procedures for effective implementation of the Indian space policy that opened up the sector to private players to engage in a range of activities from building and launching satellites to setting up ground stations and sharing remote sensing data.

The 147-page document lists out space activities that need authorisation from INSPACe, specifies criteria for granting such authorisations and provides necessary guidelines/pre-requisites to be fulfilled by an applicant for making an authorisation application.

The norms, guidelines and procedures (NGP) will complement the government’s endeavour in providing a predictable regulatory regime, transparency and ease of doing business in the Indian space sector.

According to the NGP document, any entity, whether Indian or foreign, carrying out space activities from Indian territory, its exclusive economic zone, or within its jurisdiction, needs authorisation from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).

The authorisation is required for a wide range of activities, including launching, operating, guiding, planning re-entry of space objects, establishing communication and remote sensing satellites, hosting payloads, operating space transportation systems, and disseminating high-resolution remote sensing data pertaining to Indian territory.

The NGP document states, “Only an Indian entity can apply to IN-SPACe seeking authorisation. Non-Indian entities desiring to conduct space activity in India can apply.