Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life;
5. As the space sector can leapfrog the country to a future of 21st century industrialization, the focus of the government should be on ensuring an enabling ecosystem for technology-led innovations and entrepreneurship for home grown space companies. Comment. (250 words)
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The Department of Space (DoS) is on a hyperdrive of space sector reforms. In May 2020, it pledged to allow home-grown space companies access to Indian Space Research Organization’s (Isro’s) cutting-edge laboratories and hardware testing infrastructure.
Key Demand of the question:
To talk about the need for balanced reforms to ensure a thriving private sector in space with adequate checks and balances.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning how a new space age is dawning upon us with interlinkages of Industry 4.0 with space sector and many countries, more and more in number are lining up to invest, innovate and reap benefits.
Body:
Mention the current status of private home grown space companies’ presence and participation in the space sector of India. The newly created Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), The Public Sector Enterprise ‘New Space India Limited (NSIL).
Give recent examples such as Department of Space recently entering into a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd, a Chennai-based start-up which builds small private satellite launch vehicle. In May 2020, it pledged to allow home-grown space companies access to Indian Space Research Organization’s (Isro’s) cutting-edge laboratories and hardware testing infrastructure.
Mention ways how the government can create an enabling atmosphere for these space companies. Setting up a dedicated Technology Transfer Cell (TTC), Capacity Building Programme Office, case to case basis licensing etc.
Suggest, how the refroms are needed but given the prevailing geo-political scenario, the government must be watchful and tread carefully.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
