Democratization of space key to Aatmanirbhar Bharat

To achieve self-reliance and to increase India’s share in the global economy, private sector investment is critical for the Indian space sector

- SHIVAJI CHATTERJEE

Science and technology have played an important role in India’s rapid growth and development. One of the key pillars of this success story is the incredible progress India has made on the space technology front led by the path-breaking visionary scientist Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. With his far-reaching vision, he paved the way for the development of space technologies and its applications to cater to various national needs.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has also played an important role in the development of India’s space sector. Over the past years, it has successfully developed notable indigenous capabilities in space technology. From the design, development of launch vehicles to the indigenous development of communications and other satellites and space applications, ISRO has done it all. Yet India, through ISRO, controls only around 3% of the overall share in the global space economy. According to Morgan Stanley, the global space industry is expected to generate revenue of USD1.1 trillion or more in 2040, up from the current USD350 billion.

Given the space policy landscape, the state-owned agency has been solely responsible for all space-related activities and there have been limited opportunities for participation for the private sector. From scientific research projects to deep earth exploration and the launch and development of satellites, to preparing ground infrastructure for various needs, ISRO has juggled multiple responsibilities and with fairly limited resources. However, the government’s push for Digital India supported by other large-scale digitization initiatives has created a strong demand for space-based services in the country that far supersedes the capacity that a public-funded institution can deliver by itself.