UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 2025 13th August

UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 2025 13th August

Question

Discuss the technological features, strategic significance, and challenges of satellite internet, with special reference to its dual-use nature and implications for India. (10 marks, 150 words) 

Model Answer

Introduction:  

  • Satellite internet is a broadband service using satellites in various Earth orbits to transmit data between users and ground stations. Recent LEO mega-constellations like Starlink and OneWeb have made it possible to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet globally, including in regions beyond the reach of fibre or mobile networks. 

 Technological Features: 

  • Orbit Categories: 

  • GEO (35,786 km) - Large coverage, high latency (~600 ms); E.g. GSAT series by ISRO. 

  • MEO (2,000–35,786 km) - Medium coverage and latency (~150 ms); E.g. O3b Networks. 

  • LEO (<2,000 km) - Small coverage, very low latency (<30 ms), needs thousands of satellites; E.g. Starlink, OneWeb. 

  • Optical Inter-Satellite Links: Satellites connect directly to each other, reducing reliance on ground stations. 

  • On-board Processing: Data processed in space before downlink, improving efficiency. 

  • Seamless Handover: Phased-array antennas track and switch between fast-moving LEO satellites (~27,000 km/h). 

  • Direct-to-Device (D2D): Emerging capability to connect directly to smartphones without separate terminals. 

  • ISRO plans to integrate satellite-based internet for BharatNet Phase-III, and OneWeb (Bharti-backed) is deploying LEO satellites for rural connectivity. 

 Strategic Significance: 

  • Bridging Digital Divide: Vital for rural India, where only 37% of rural households have internet (NFHS-5). 

  • Disaster Resilience: Maintains communication when terrestrial infrastructure fails (E.g., cyclones in Odisha, floods in Assam). 

  • Defence Applications: Indian Army uses satellite internet at Siachen; enhances Advanced Command, Control, Communications, Computers Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. 

  • Maritime & Aviation Connectivity: Supports shipping lanes, naval patrols, and air routes. 

  • Geopolitical Leverage: Control over satellite networks adds strategic influence and aligns with India’s Draft Space Policy 2023 for space-based infrastructure autonomy. 

 Challenges:  

  • Technological: 

  • Space debris risk from mega-constellations (Kessler Syndrome). 

  • Complex maintenance and frequent satellite replacement. 

  • Economic: 

  • High equipment costs (~₹40,000 for terminal) compared to terrestrial broadband. 

  • Regulatory & Security: 

  • Spectrum allocation disputes (TRAI framework pending). 

  • Potential misuse by insurgents (E.g., Starlink devices seized in Northeast India). 

  • Data sovereignty concerns under Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023. 

  • Environmental: 

  • Light pollution affecting astronomy (IAU 2022 report). 

  • Increased launch-related carbon emissions. 

 Way Forward: 

  • Indigenous Capability Building: Accelerate ISRO’s satellite broadband projects; incentivise private Indian space companies under IN-SPACe. 

  • Robust Regulation: Enact the National Space Activities Bill with provisions for licensing, liability, and national security safeguards. 

  • Security Measures: Incorporate encryption, geofencing, and anti-jamming technologies. 

 Conclusion:  

  • Satellite internet offers transformative potential for India’s connectivity, disaster response, and defence readiness. However, its dual-use nature demands careful regulation, indigenous capability building, and active participation in global space governance to secure both technological benefits and national security.