India's New Space Object Re-entry Rules (Space Sector)
India's New Space Object Re-entry Rules (Space Sector)
Why In News:
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has introduced India's first comprehensive framework for regulating the planned re-entry of space objects into Earth's atmosphere.
What are the Planned Re-entry Guidelines?
Title:Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for Authorisation for Undertaking Planned Re-entry of Space Objects.
Issuing Authority: IN-SPACe, India's single-window agency for promoting and authorising private space activities.
The framework covers satellites, launch vehicles and other space objects designed to survive atmospheric re-entry or intended for a controlled re-entry, whether the object is expected to land inside or outside India.
Objects that naturally burn up, melt or disintegrate during routine end-of-mission atmospheric disposal are excluded from the requirement for separate planned re-entry authorisation.
Major Regulatory Requirements
* Human Casualty Risk: The probability of human casualty from a planned re-entry must remain below 1 in 10,000.
○ Operators must submit a risk assessment covering the expected re-entry corridor, object characteristics, tracking arrange- ments and potential casualty risks.
* Insurance and Liability: Operators must maintain adequate insurance, including third-party liability cover wherever required by IN-SPACe.
○ Re-entry is carried out at the operator’s own risk, and the Government does not automatically assume liability for resulting damages.
* Air and Maritime Safety: Operators must coordinate with relevant authorities before executing a re-entry manoeuvre.
○ They must obtain NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) and maritime danger-zone notifications to ensure the safety of aircraft and vessels along the predicted re-entry path.
Key Facts for Prelims
1. IN-SPACe and Private Space Sector
IN-SPACe is an autonomous agency under the Department of Space, established in 2020 to promote and authorise private-sector participation in India's space activities.
It acts as a single-window interface for private entities seeking to undertake authorised space activities in India.
2. Space Liability and International Law
Under the Outer Space Treaty, 1967, States bear international responsibility for national space activities, including those conducted by non-governmental entities, which require appropriate governmental authorisation and continuing supervision.
The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, 1972 further establishes the international liability framework for damage caused by space objects.