What's New

India has allowed private companies to operate rocket launch sites in and around the country. Explain what is India trying to achieve by this move. Also comment on the major success factors for this.

Introduction:

Department of Science(DoS) has released a draft National Space Transportation Policy. Following the footsteps of other countries, India is trying to allow private companies into Space Program by allowing them to launch Rockets. It covers all the aspects of rocket launching such as launch pads, reentry of rockets and other space objects.

 Body:

Significance:

Operations:

• Authorisation by Indian National Space Promotion & Auhorization Center is required for launching. It is an independent body under the DoS.
• If the entites want to launch from outside India, approvals are required from concerned territories
• Launch can be done from all three platforms land, sea or air.

Previously Indian Space Research Organization was the only agency to conduct these kind of activities. Due to advancement in technology private players are also entering into such sectors. Government is trying to hand-held those companies and provide a platform for them to flourish. With the ever-changing technology there will be more number of private players who want their own capacities in space technology such as remote sensing.

Conclusion:

The developments should be made in a phased manner and knowledge transfer needs to be sorted out before hand. Since this is an unexplored sector, there may be some bottlenecks that are experienced. Suitable decision making should take place to ensure these new programs will become success in future.