The Philosophy of Space Policy (With A Case Study of India)

G. S. Sachdeva

Space activities by governmental agencies require considerable state funding, bear long gestation periods with uncertainty in results. Hence, a directional policy defining long-term goals, embodying national aspirations, and envisaging techno-possibilities for manufacturing and operations is necessary. The policy can enable clarity for internal constituency and international posturing. This book offers hints for policy-making and other options. Its first two sections are pedagogic in content and advisory in approach. First section discusses philosophical perspectives, namely, theoretical, theological, ethical and audit-orial. The second section offers options and initiatives as alternatives or adjuncts to space policy.

The second part of the book is a case study of India. It narrates a brief history of national space activities and the journey of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), besides providing a futuristic vision for India and its global stance. In just over half a century, India has achieved acclaimed successes, reached many milestones and established some firsts in space missions. It has, indeed, been a spectacular journey tractioned by ISRO.

India never adopted a cogent, comprehensive and futuristic roadmap or policy except for brief mentions in annual budget reports till the announcement of Indian Space Policy, 2023. This primarily is directive and seeks to promote private sector and start-ups in space industry. The last part of the book is an analytical description and critique of this policy with a view to offer improvements. The book will be useful for policy-makers, industry leaders, agency officials, law scholars and space enthusiasts. New and existing space-faring states will find good guidance for governance and policy formulation.

G. S. Sachdeva

Prof (Dr.) G. S. Sachdeva is one of the pioneer scholars on Space Law in India and has been writing on the subject for the last four decades. He has authored ten books and has contributed over sixty articles in edited books and law journals in India and abroad. He has Masters in Economics from Delhi School of Economics, Delhi University, Law graduation from Nagpur University, Nagpur (Gold Medallist) and Ph.D. in International Law from JNU, New Delhi.

He is, currently, Professor Emeritus, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab and Adjunct Professor, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. He was formerly Adjunct Professor, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi. He is also Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), New Delhi.

He was Team Leader of the National Panel for Drafting of Space Legislation for India (Space Activities Bill, 2022). He has also been member of Study Group 3.26 of International Academy of Astronautics, (IAA) Paris. He peer-reviews for reputed publications like Astropolitics, Springer, Space Policy, Airpower, et al and is on the Editorial/Advisory Boards of several Indian and foreign law Journals. He is guest faculty at various Universities and Institutions in Air and Space Law.

Contents

Preface
Introduction

PART–I

Section1: Philosophical Perspectives

1. Space Policy: Theoretical Perspective
2. Space Policy: Theological Perspective
3. Space Policy: Ethical Perspective
4. Space Policy: Audit Perspective

Section 2: Options and Initiatives

5. National Space Legislation: A Necessity
6. National Space Doctrine: A Proposal
7. Space Diplomacy: An Initiative
8. Space Cooperation: An Imperative

PART–II

Section 1: A Case Study of India
9. India: Historical Perspective
10. India: Contemporary Perspective
11. India: Futuristic Vision
12. India: Organisational Perspective
13. India: Global Stance

Section 2: Indian Space Policy 2023
14. Indian Space Policy 2023: A Descriptive Analysis
15. Indian Space Policy 2023: A Critique
Appendix: Indian Space Policy - 2023
Index