Tamil Nadu Adopted a Space Sector Policy

Syllabus: GS3/Space

Context

• Tamil Nadu Cabinet approved the Space Industrial Policy, thereby following Karnataka and Gujarat in formulating a State-specific document. 

About

• Aim: To stimulate development and attract investments in the space sector. 
• In 2023, the Union government came out with the Indian Space Policy 2023 to provide a framework to support the space ecosystem.
• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) had suggested to the State government to come out with a document.
  • IN-SPACe is created by the Department of Space at the Centre for promoting, authorising and overseeing the activities of Non-Government Entities (NGEs) in the sector.

Key Highlights of the TN Policy

• Aim: Aimed at attracting ₹10,000 crore investments in the next five years and generation of direct and indirect employment for nearly 10,000 persons in the given period.
• The State government would provide a payroll subsidy for companies that are involved in R&D or that would establish global capability centres in the space sector. 
• The government will also notify select regions as Space Bays for offering structured packages of incentives to firms that plan to do investments below ₹300 crore. 
• Space industrial park developers will be eligible for an industrial housing incentive of 10% on the cost of developing residential facilities within the industrial park over 10 years, subject to a ceiling of ₹10 crore. 
  • Those undertaking green and sustainable initiatives will be eligible for a 25% subsidy on the cost of capital for such initiatives, subject to a ceiling of ₹5 crore.

The Indian Space Policy – 2023

• Vision: To enhance India’s space capabilities, enable a robust commercial presence, promote international cooperation, and leverage space technology for Socio-economic development, National security, Environmental protection and Scientific advancement.
• Applicability: 
  • Covers all space activities originating from or involving Indian territory or jurisdiction.
  • Implementation will be governed by detailed directives issued by DoS.
• Strategy: Encourage full-spectrum private sector participation in the space economy (satellites, ground systems, services, etc.).
  • Allow public and private users to procure space services freely. 
• Role of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs): NGEs are permitted to:
  • Design, launch, and operate satellites and launch vehicles.
  • Provide communication, remote sensing, navigation services.
  • Build and operate ground stations.
  • Develop space transportation, space situational awareness, and recovery systems.
  • Conduct asteroid/space resource mining and commercialize it.
  • Collaborate internationally and engage in human spaceflight.
  • Must comply with IN-SPACe regulations.

Roles and responsibilities of Various Organizations Under the Policy: 

• IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center): It is an autonomous single-window agency responsible for:
  • Authorizing all government and private space activities.
  • Issuing operational guidelines.
  • Promoting industry clusters, incubation centers, and accelerators.
  • Ensuring fair access to public infrastructure.
  • Enabling NGE participation in space exploration.
  • Handling safety, liability, and dispute resolution.
  • Facilitating technology transfer from ISRO to private players.
  • Approving remote sensing data dissemination and launch manifests.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) refocused on:
  • R&D in new space technologies, human spaceflight, and scientific exploration.
  • Transitioning operational space systems to industry.
  • Providing open access to remote sensing data.
  • Supporting academia and industry collaboration.
  • Enabling long-term human presence in space.
• NewSpace India Limited (NSIL): Acts as the commercial arm of the Department of Space:
  • Commercializes space technologies developed by ISRO.
  • Manufactures and procures space assets.
  • Serves both government and private sector clients on commercial terms.
• Department of Space (DoS): Acts as the policy coordinator:
  • Ensures smooth role distribution among stakeholders.
  • Oversees implementation of the policy.
  • Coordinates international cooperation and compliance.
  • Ensures safe operations and resolves disputes.
  • Maintains global standards and interoperability in navigation systems.

Significance

• It redefined ISRO’s role to focus on innovation and R&D.
• Empowering private industry with end-to-end operational rights.
• Establishing a transparent and structured regulatory regime.
• Aligning with international best practices and sustainability.

Source: TH