Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: Space Technology, Issue: India Space Legislation Framework.
Context:
India will soon mark its second National Space Day, celebrating milestones like Chandrayaan-3’s lunar landing, upcoming Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan missions, and the planned Bharat Antariksh Station.
- While the space programme is advancing rapidly, India still lacks a robust space law framework essential to regulate exploration, innovation, and commercialisation in outer space.
Key Takeaways:
| Theme of National Space Day 2025: The theme for the National Space Day 2025, celebrated on August 23, is “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities.” This is a tribute to the continuous stream of Indian heritage in astronomical knowledge left since the days of the legendary astronomer Aryabhatta and having contemporary and future expressions in areas of space exploration for example Gaganyaan as a human spaceflight mission. National Space Day is observed on August 23 to mark the historic success of Chandrayaan-3, which made the landmark soft landing on the south pole of the Moon, as for the first time ever, India entered this lunar territory. |
Global Space Legislation: The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 Core Principles:
- The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 (OST) establishes fundamental principles for space activities:
- Space is the province of all mankind.
- Prohibition of national appropriation of outer space.
- States are responsible for national activities in space, whether conducted by the government or private entities.
- Companion Agreements: The OST is complemented by other agreements that create binding frameworks for rights, responsibilities, and liability rules.
- Not Self-Executing: These treaties are not self-executing, meaning they require domestic legislation to be fully effective within a country’s legal system.
Importance of National Legislation:
- National space legislation is crucial for: Giving effect to the principles of the OST domestically.
- Ensuring the safe, sustainable, and internationally responsible development of the space sector.
- Providing predictability, legal clarity, and a stable regulatory environment for both government and private actors.
- Global Examples: Many countries, including Japan, Luxembourg, and the U.S., have enacted national space legislation to facilitate licensing, liability coverage, and commercial rights over space activities.
Industry Perspectives and Priorities in IN SPACe Regulation:
A national space law is crucial for India to create a robust foundation for its growing space sector, ensuring compliance with international norms, promoting safe and responsible operations, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and investment in the space industry.
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