Regulation of Space Activities in India

Abstract

The Indian space programme started about 45 years ago with the explicit mandate to promote the development and application of space technology for the socio-economic benefit of the nation. Today, it has gone beyond that mandate to the point as India has become one of the major space powers in the world, particularly after the successful launch of Chandrayaan-I lunar mission. Moreover, the Indian space sector is being opened up for private participation and has begun commercializing certain technologies and services internationally. In India the privatisation and commercialization of space technologies make it imperative for the government to legislate national space law(s). This chapter analyses the current Indian legal regime, its adequacy and inadequacy, for governance of the Indian space activities, particularly by the private sector. Specifically the topics covered are: decision-making and Indian state practice with respect to the implementation of international space treaties; legal issues related to launch services (space transportation systems); satellite telecommunications (including satellite broadcasting); satellite remote sensing (earth observation) services; satellite navigational services; and intellectual property rights, transfer of technology and national security. The Chapter concludes that an appropriate national legal regime is an important way in which India could encourage the balanced and sustainable development to tap the potential of space commerce and industry.