To have a sustained human presence in space, India has come out with a policy framework, and long-term road map called the Humans in Space Policy for India, 2021. ndThe principle is to aim for sustained human presence in space as an instrument for development, innovation and foster collaborations in alignment with national interests. The policy framework is essential as it fosters collaborations and addresses proliferation concerns and compliance to existing policies, laws, and treaties.
Features of Humans in Space policy 2021
Demonstrate human space flight capability leveraging the expertise of ISRO, national research institutions, academia, industry, and other organizations.
Sustained human presence in low earth orbit for the longer-term and undertaking explo missions beyond low earth orbit.
Identify and develop necessary technologies for enabling the sustained presence of humans in low earth orbit and beyond.
Significance of Humans in Space Policy
1. Technological
Identifies necessary technology and gap areas:
The thrust areas include key technology elements such as regenerative life support systems, rendezvous and docking systems, inflatable habitats, extravehicular activity suits, etc.
Multi-disciplinary nature:
Human spaceflight fosters collaborations and addresses proliferation concerns and compliance to existing policies, laws, and treaties.
Improving various technological elements:
The human-rated launch vehicle, envir 1/4 n control and life support system, crew escape system, deceleration system, crew section and training, crew recovery operations, development of human-centric products, and microgravity experiments.
2. Economic
Participation of non-traditional players:
Facilitates the participation of non-traditional players in undertaking space activities through a transparent regulatory framework.
3. Structural
Better governance:
Mechanism to ensure effective coordination and seamless execution among various agencies involved.
Human resource development and training initiatives:
Develop necessary expertise regarding the Indian human space program and encourage start-ups and industries through suitable mechanisms for societal benefits.
Multi-stakeholder approach:
Utilizing the expertise of ISRO, national research institutions, academia, industry, and other organizations.
Scientific ecosystem:
For researching domains linked to human space activities duly considering the national priorities.
Expands the scope of the national space program:
India can develop end-to-end solutions in space transportation systems, space infrastructure, space applications, and ground segments.
4. Futuristic
Period of transformation:
At both the national and global levels, the space industry is undergoing a period of transformation wherein non-traditional players are striving to play a greater role in the overall space economy.
Sustained tangible benefits:
Aids in capacity building measures like collaborations, infrastructure development, facilities modernization, technology development, and human resource development, thereby encouraging new industries, creating high technology jobs, enabling socio-economic growth, and further enhancing India's stature and role in space.
International cooperation:
Collaborative research opportunities will be explored through suitable announcements to enhance knowledge in diversified scientific and engineering domains.
Government Initiatives
1. Private Sector Participation in Space
The single-point interface between ISRO and everyone who wants to participate in space-related activities or use India's space resources.
To promote and guide the private industries in space activities through encouraging policies and a friendly regulatory environment.
To mass-produce and manufacture the SSLV and the more powerful PSLV in partnership with the private sector in India through technology transfers.
To use research and development carried out by ISRO over the years for commercial purposes through Indian industry partners.
2. Human Space Flight Project
1st uncrewed mission is planned for December 2021 and 2nd uncrewed flight in 2022-23, followed by a human spaceflight demonstration.
Sending humans in space and bringing them safely back to earth.
3. International collaboration
Russian collaboration:
ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre and Russia's Glavkosmos signed a contract for Russian support in the training, medical examination, and selection of candidates.
French collaboration:
ISRO and CNES are working together in the fields of space. Medicine, astronaut health monitoring, life support, radiation protection, space debris protection, and personal hygiene systems.
Australian collaboration:
Talks are on with Australia to have a ground station at Cocos Islands for the Gaganyaan mission.
India has signed 250 documents on space cooperation with 59 countries, says ISRO chief K Sivan
Ways Forward
1. Administrative measures
Establish an independent regulator that governs both ISRO and new space operators on a level playing field.Constitute a national-level body comprising of members from various stakeholders and participating agencies.
India must have reliable and accurate capabilities to track space objects, from debris and spacecraft to celestial bodies, to defend our space assets effectively.
Constitute a suitable mechanism for evaluating and selecting crew members for missions planned for the Indian human space program.
2. Policy measures
India needs a new space policy to harness space as a growth sector for the economy, attract private investment, and creates jobs, even as it promotes scientific breakthroughs and helps leapfrog developmental challenges.
Adopt existing procedures for protecting intellectual property and settlement of the dispute as postulated in the Space Act of India about activities defined under the Indian human space program.
Encourage start-ups and industries through the suitable mechanism to explore spinoff opportunities and their development for societal benefits.
Human rating and certification:
Evolve a standardized approach for certification of systems associated with the Indian human space program with the concurrence of an Apex body established for the purpose.
Human space flights have led to large economic and technological benefits worldwide. Such innovations are critical to technological innovation and advancement, scientific discovery, security, industrial competitiveness, job creation, and human resource development. This field is transforming at all levels as non-traditional players are also entering this domain. Hence, it is time that these programs and missions are sustained for the long term and be promoted to bring tangible benefits to humankind.
Gaganyaan is just the beginning! India plans to have a sustained human presence in space.
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