Beyond The Blue Yonder: A Curated Anthology of Writings on Space

Edited by : T H Anand Rao & Niti Jha

‘Beyond the Blue Yonder’ is a comprehensive anthology that delves into the complex realm of space issues that affect the military. This compilation features chapters from leading experts, exploring strategic and regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and policy challenges in the space domain. It covers topics such as deterrence and space strategy, space governance, space industry and the eco-system, international regulations, and emerging technology areas in space. The writings provide a critical understanding of how space is emerging as a strategic domain alongside the challenges to sustainability in space operations and their implications for global security.

Edited by : T H Anand Rao & Niti Jha

Group Captain TH Anand Rao (Retd) is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Air Power Studies. He is a former fighter pilot, a Qualified Flying Instructor, and a veteran of the Kargil War. He has flown the MiG-21 and Jaguar aircraft and served in various operational and staff appointments. In addition to his military background, he is a keen observer of the space domain and writes on matters of space security and strategy. He has authored a book titled ‘India’s Space Security Dilemma’. His present field of research is in ‘Space Domain Awareness’.

Ms Niti Jha is a copyeditor at the Centre for Air Power Studies, where she focuses on enhancing the clarity and impact of written works. She holds a BA Honours degree from Miranda House, Delhi University, and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

Contents

Preface

Introduction

Tables and Figures

Abbreviations

Section–I: Through the Military Prism

1. Moonrush: Is the Indian Space Programme Missing the Crucial Link?
Ankur Mathur

2. China’s Military Space Capabilities in 2049
Chandan Sharda

3. Mechanisms of Deterrence in Space: A New Analytical Framework
Pranav R Satyanath

4. Role of Space in Hypersonic Applications
G S Bedi

Section–II: Growth of the Space Sector

5. Energising the Space Industry through India’s Space Policy 2023
A K Bhatt

6. Defining India’s ‘National Security Fusion’: Need to Protect the Space Innovation Ecosystem
Chaitanya Giri

7. Development of the Space Ecosystem in Norway
Ketil Olsen

Section–III: Regulating the Space Environment

8. Legal and Policy Aspects Linked to the Utilisation of Outer Space
Ranjana Kaul

9. Application of International Space Law to Military Activities in Space
Upasana Dasgupta

10. Time for International Regulations and Cooperation for Enhancing Sustainable Development in Outer Space
Harini Madhusudan

11. Orbital and Spectrum Congestion: Impact on Sustainability in Space and the Response of International Law
Shaanti Shamdasani

Section–IV: Looking Beyond

12. Space Weather: An Essential Tool for Space Operations
Ajey Lele

13. Near Space as an Alternative to the Space Domain
T H Anand Rao

14. Nuclear Energy as an Alternative Power Source for Space Missions
A Pichipoo Raja

15. Challenges of Human Spaceflight
Anupam Agarwal

About the Contributors

Index