Indian Space Policy 2023 has opened the sector to private players. Evaluate the policy’s design, the role of IN-SPACe and NSIL, and the gaps in financing and IP frameworks.
Subtopic: Sci-Tech · Space
How to structure your answer
Introduction: Indian Space Policy 2023 demarcates roles of ISRO (R&D), IN-SPACe (regulator-promoter), NSIL (commercial arm) and NGEs (private entities); India's space economy is targeted at $44 bn by 2033 (IN-SPACe Decadal Vision).
Body: 1) Policy enablers — 100% FDI under automatic route (revised 2024), GST relief, technology transfer norms. 2) Achievements — SpaDeX docking, EOS-08, Agnikul Cosmos, Skyroot Vikram-S. 3) Gaps — Space Activities Bill pending, IP and liability law, venture capital depth.
Way forward: Enact Space Activities Bill in 2026; expand IN-SPACe Technology Transfer Centre; deepen ANIC and venture financing under DPIIT.
Written within the word limit
129 words · target 150 words · 9 min
Introduction: The Indian Space Policy 2023, notified 6 April 2023, opens the entire value chain to non-government entities and targets 8% of the $630 bn global space economy by 2030 (ISRO Vision).
Body: IN-SPACe (autonomous body, single-window authoriser) has authorised 75+ private players including Skyroot, Agnikul and Pixxel. NSIL, the commercial arm, raised ₹2,300 crore through GSAT-N2 lease and SSLV technology transfer. The Cabinet (February 2024) approved 100% FDI under automatic route up to 74% in satellite manufacturing, with a ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund (October 2024). Gaps: absent national space law (Space Activities Bill pre-legislative), unclear IP regime for ISRO-private collaborations, low demand aggregation, and limited insurance and launch-pad capacity beyond SDSC-SHAR.
Way forward: The Department of Space should table the Space Activities Bill by Q3 FY27, operationalise the IN-SPACe Tech Adoption Fund (₹500 crore), and notify IP-licensing norms for ISRO technology.
What an examiner expects to see
- Indian Space Policy 2023
- IN-SPACe under DoS; NSIL CPSE
- 100% FDI automatic route 2024 amendment
- Space economy target $44 bn by 2033 (IN-SPACe)
- SpaDeX docking 2025 — fourth nation
- Agnikul SOrTeD, Skyroot Vikram-S
- Space Activities Bill in drafting
Concrete cases, schemes and judgments
- Agnikul Cosmos semi-cryogenic engine
- Pixxel hyperspectral constellation
- Bellatrix Aerospace electric propulsion
- Dhruva Space