INDIA’S INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT TO UNITE NATIONS
STUDY GUIDE
COMMITTEE: PRIME MINISTER’S SPECIAL SUMMIT
AGENDA: ADVANCING THE INDIAN SPACE PROGRAM
MANDATE
The Prime Minister’s Special Summit, popularly known as the PMSS, is a committee exclusively
set up for the delegations of the Union Ministers and other members of the Parliament. The
committee is privileged to discuss any issue on which the Prime Minister needs advice. The issue
may have national or international concerns. It also lies in the Prime Minister’s hands to decide
when and on which agenda a special summit should be called to deliberate.
This committee provides a platform for the Members of Parliament to directly advise and deliberate
with the Prime Minister through this council, showcasing the democratic spirit of our political
system.
INTRODUCTION
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was founded on 15th August 1969 to create an
indigenous space exploration technology. ISRO was formerly known as the Indian National
Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR). It was founded in 1962 by Dr Vikram A. Sarabhai,
also known as the father of the Indian Space Program. Dr Sarabhai, an eminent scientist and
visionary, recognised the importance of space technology for the development of India. He
successfully convinced the Indian government to establish ISRO in 1969 and served as its first
Chairman until his untimely demise in 1971. Dr Sarabhai's leadership and contributions laid the
foundation for ISRO's growth and significant achievements in space research and exploration. Since
its origin, the Indian space program has developed by leaps and bounds over the years, making
substantial contributions to satellite technology, remote sensing, and planetary exploration. Today,
the Indian space program is regarded as one of the world's most cost-effective and innovative. It has
a demonstrated history of accomplishing extraordinary things on limited financial frameworks. The
main priorities of the Indian Space Program have been the advancement of satellite technology for
communication, navigation and earth observation. ISRO's first satellite, called Aryabhata, was
launched by the Soviet Union in 1975 and ever since, a wide variety of satellites have been
launched by ISRO for different objectives like telephony, broadcasting, monitoring weather
patterns, navigation, etc.
The Indian Space Program has significantly contributed to the universe’s study. India’s first lunar
expedition, Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, revealed significant findings regarding the moon’s
surface, including the evidence of water molecules. In July 2019, ISRO launched its second mission
to the moon, Chandrayaan - 2. Other significant milestones in India’s space exploration journey
include the achievement of being the first nation to reach Mars on its maiden attempt in 2013. The
Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), popularly known as the Mangalyaan, collected important
information on the planet’s atmosphere, surface properties and the possibility of life on Mars. In
2017, ISRO launched 104 satellites through PSLV C-37 in a single mission, confirming the
organisation’s expertise in satellite launching technology. ISRO has continued to work on ambitious
projects such as human space flights and the construction of reusable launch vehicles in the years
since.
To expand the ambit of space research technologies, many Space Technology Incubation Centres
have been established in nine critical locations across the country, under which six centres are
operational at academic institutions. ISRO announced the UNNATI (Unispace Nanosatellite
Assembly & Training by ISRO) programme under which hands-on training on Assembly,
Integration and Testing (AIT) was provided, which was attended by delegates from 17 countries. To
impart basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications to young
students, a special programme called YUVIKA (Yuva Vigyani Karyakram) was launched by ISRO
in 2019. To enhance the entrepreneurial spirit in the space tech domain, ISRO signed an MoU with
Social Alpha to launch SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN). Some of the biggest roadblocks to
the efficiency of the Indian Space Program are limited funding, technological constraints and
international competition. Even with these barriers, the Indian Space Program has successfully
continued to empower innovation and has unequivocally demonstrated its prowess in pushing the
limits of what is possible.
The graphical representation of the national budget allocated to the Department of Space over the
years since 1999 is shown above. Two lines of the graph represent the revised amount, the actual
amount that has been utilised, and the promised amount, the amount allocated on paper as per the
Ministry of Finance ahead of the financial year to the department. According to the 2023-24 Union
Budget of India, the spending amount for the Department of Space has been reduced by 8%, from
Rs.13,700 crore in the previous budget projection to Rs.12,543.91 crore. The most significant
decrease in space technology has been covered by ‘Central Sector Schemes’ and entails ISRO’s
several centres’ expenditures, including the Human Spaceflight Centre and developmental and
operational projects involving satellites and launch vehicles.
The funding for ISRO is significantly lower than in
many countries. Some critics think it is wrong to
compare ISRO with NASA because the latter was
established more than a decade before the former
and derives partial funding from the U.S. Military.
In contrast, ISRO has nothing to do with the
military and has separate funds. However, on the
positive side, ISRO has achieved a lot even with the
apparent budget restraint and has managed to be
cited amongst the big players in the space arena.
India ranks amongst the top 10 nations with Space
Programs globally.
The Indian Space Program holds a solid vision to utilise, sustain and enhance space technology for
the country’s development while conducting space science research and planetary exploration. The
Indian space program has a distinct mission centred on many components of space technology. One
of the primary objectives is to design and develop space launch vehicles and related technologies.
This comprises satellite and associated technology development for earth observation,
communication, navigation, meteorology, and space science. The communication programme,
which aims to meet telecommunication, television broadcasting, and developmental applications, is
an integral part of this program. In addition, the program incorporates a satellite-based remote
sensing programme that uses space-based imagery to assist in managing natural resources and
monitoring the environment. The program also includes a space-based navigation system.
Furthermore, the program promotes and allows private companies to play an essential role in the
global space market. Finally, the program emphasises space science and planetary exploration
research and development. The Indian space program is well-rounded, with an objective that spans
all facets of space technology to improve social development. The Indian Space Program has a long
list of goals it hopes to attain. One such goal is to fly its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV),
Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
operationally. Another goal is to design and develop new space transportation methods to increase
space access. The program also intends to design, produce, and launch communication and earth
observation satellites to improve the capabilities of space-based systems. The program also focuses
on developing navigation satellite systems and space-based technologies such as earth observation
for societal purposes. It also places a high value on space research and planetary exploration. The
program also focuses on education, training, and capacity building to progress the field of space
technology. Another important goal is to promote space technology and the development of
infrastructure and facilities for space research. The program also emphasises international
collaboration and commercialising Indian space program products and services. Finally, the
program encourages Indian private enterprises to participate in the space industry actively. The
Indian Space Program has diverse goals, and its dedication to them will assist progress in space
technology.
HISTORY
The research about India’s Space Journey began in the 1920s. Scientists of India S.K.Mitra,
C.V.Raman and Meghnad Saha conducted these studies. Around the 1940s and 50s, the Indian
Space Programme and its activities got nationwide attention, but space research activities were
initiated in India during the early 1960s. During this time, India studied Earth’s atmosphere and
weather predictions. With the live transmission of the Tokyo Olympic Games across the Pacific by
the American Satellite 'Syncom-3’ demonstrating the power of communication satellites, Dr Vikram
Sarabhai, the founding father of the Indian Space Programme, quickly recognised the benefits of
space technologies for India. Under the leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India achieved its
milestone in its space history. To spearhead space research activities, Indian National Committee
For Space Research (INCOSPAR) was set up in 1962 under the Department of Atomic Energy. The
three men responsible for launching Indian Space Programme were: Dr Homi Bhabha, the architect
of India’s nuclear project, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, now universally acknowledged as the father of the
Indian Space Programme and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent
India.
On 21 November 1963, a small American-sounding rocket, known as Nike Apache, took off from
Thumba, a fishing hamlet near Trivandrum ( now-Thiruvananthapuram), thus launching the Indian
Space Programme and simultaneously announcing the birth of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket
Launching Station (TERLS). The rocket and some tracking equipment came from the USA ( United
States Of America ), and the Minsk (capital of Belarus) computer and a helicopter (for surveillance)
came from the USSR ( Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ). The payload for the rocket-based
experiment, known as the sodium vapour payload, was personally brought by Prof. Jacques
Blamont from France, who has been honoured with a Padma Shri by the Government Of India. The
main thing to note is that the cold war enemies brought about the Indian Space Programme.
INCOSPAR was then transformed into Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in August
1969. The Government of India established the Space Commission and the Department Of Space
(DOS) in June 1972 to promote the unified development and application of space science and
technology for identified national objectives. ISRO was brought under DOS in September 1972.
Since its inception, the Indian Space Programme has orchestrated well and had three distinct
elements: satellites for communication and remote sensing, the space transportation system and
application programmes.
In 1967 the first ‘ Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES)’ located in
Ahmedabad was operationalised, which also doubled as a training centre for Indian and
International scientists and engineers. ISRO established that a satellite system could contribute to
national development. However, before trying out a full-fledged satellite system, some controlled
experiment to prove the efficacy of television medium for national development was found
necessary. Accordingly, a TV programme on agriculture information to farmers, ‘KrishiDarshan’,
was started, which received a good response.
01 January 1975: The next logical step was the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment
(SITE), hailed as ‘the largest sociological experiment in the world’ during 1975-76. This
experiment benefited around 200,000 people, covering 2400 villages of six states and transmitted
development-oriented programmes using the American Technology Satellite (ATS-6). The credit for
training 50,000 science teachers in primary schools in one year goes to SITE.
19 April 1975: The Aryabhatta spacecraft, named after the famous Indian astronomer, was India’s
first satellite; it was completely designed and fabricated in India and launched by a Soviet
Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar.
01 January 1977: SITE was followed by the Satellite Telecommunication Experiments Project
(STEP), a joint project of ISRO and the Post and Telegraphs Department (P&T) using the
Franco-German Symphonie satellite during 1977-79. STEP aimed to provide a system test of using
geosynchronous satellites for domestic communication, enhance capabilities and experience in the
design, manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of various ground segment facilities
and build up requisite indigenous competence for the country’s proposed operational domestic
satellite system.
07 June 1979: Bhaskara-1, the first experimental remote sensing satellite built in India, was
launched. The onboard TV camera images were used in Hydrology and Forestry. Rich scientific
data sent by SAMIR ( Satellite Microwave Radiometer) was used for oceanographic studies.
10 August 1979: The first experimental flight of SLV-3 was done, but it was partially successful.
18 July 1980: Rohini is a series of satellites launched by ISRO. It consists of four satellites. Rohini
was India’s first satellite launched from an Indian-made launch vehicle. Rohini Satellite (RS-1) was
launched onboard SLV-3 from SHAR (Sriharikota Range) centre. The satellite had an orbital life of
9 months. The satellite carried a Digital sun sensor, Magnetometer and temperature sensors. The
structure was made of Aluminium Alloy.
31 May 1981: RS-D1 (Rohini Satellite) was launched onboard SLV-3 from Sriharikota. The launch
was a partial success as the satellite did not reach the intended height, and thus it stayed in orbit for
only 9 days. The satellite carried a solid-state camera using a linear array of detectors for remote
sensing applications.
19 June 1981: The Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) was ISRO’s first indigenous
experimental communication satellite. It was launched into GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit)
by the third development flight of ESA's Ariane vehicle from Kourou. APPLE was used for nearly
two years to conduct extensive experiments on time, frequency and code division, multiple access
systems, radio networking computer interconnect, random access and pockets switching
experiments.
20 November 1981: Bhaskara-2 was launched from Kapustin Yar onboard the Inter-cosmos launch
vehicle. The main objectives of Bhaskara-2 were to conduct earth observation experiments for
applications related to hydrology, forestry and geology. Despite the problem faced by one of the two
onboard cameras, it sent more than two thousand images used for many studies. The INSAT (Indian
National Satellite) system is one of the Asia-Pacific region’s largest domestic communications
satellite systems, with nine operational communication satellites placed in Geo-stationary orbit.
10 April 1982: The INSAT-1A was launched by a Delta but was abandoned on 6 September 1983
when its attitude control propellant was exhausted.
India’s Space Mission, 1984: Indo-Soviet Manned Mission where Rakesh Sharma was the first
Indian Citizen to fly into space.
Chandrayaan 2008: First lunar mission, launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
5 November 2013: ISRO launched its Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) from Sriharikota, and all the
required materials were indigenously manufactured.
24 September 2014: First interplanetary mission made ISRO the 4th space agency to reach Mars,
and India became the first country to put a satellite around Mars.
Prof . E.V.Chitnis, one of the men who gave a first-hand account of the early years of the Indian
Space Programme, was the man who found a scout area for rocket launching in Kerala and he, with
Prof. U.R.Rao, first visited Sriharikota. Shri R. Aravamudan, one of the very first engineers selected
by Sarabhai to work for INCOSPAR, was sent to the USA for training even before TERLS
(Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station ) was born.
The Indian Space Programme started with the establishment of TERLS. Then it progressed by
building Sounding Rockets, SLV-3 (India’s First Launch Vehicle), Augmented Satellite Launch
Vehicle (ASLV), Polar Satellite Launching Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch
Vehicle (GSLV). Shri V. Sudhakar was the first Project Director of the Rohini Sounding Rockets.
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the Project Director of SLV-3, India’s First Launch Vehicle. Shri M.S.R
Dev was the Project Director of ASLV. ASLV was conceived as a technological bridge between
SLV-3 and PSLV, but the first two flights of ASLV failed. PSLV is considered ISRO’s pride because
it was the rocket responsible for all the successful missions that happened afterwards. While its first
flight failed, all the flights afterwards were successful; this was also the rocket used to launch
Chandrayaan-1 and recovery missions. It also launched MOM, making ISRO reach new heights by
making Mangalyaan successful. G.N. Madhavan Nair is the Project Director of PSLV, the only
operational vehicle of ISRO. Later he became the Chairman of ISRO and Shri N. Narayanamoorthy
became the Project Director of PSLV. R.V. Perumal was the Project Director of GSLV and he was
also a former Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO.Dr R.M. Vasagam
was the Project Director of APPLE, India’s first indigenous communication satellite. Shri Pramod
Kale was the Project Director of the INSAT-1 series which represents India’s first operational
communication satellites. INSAT-1 were produced abroad while INSAT-2A were indigenously
manufactured and the Project Director was Shri P. Ramachandran. Dr K. Kasturirangan was the
Project Director of India’s first remote sensing satellite IRS-1A and the Deputy Project Director
was Shri S. Kalyana Raman. All communication satellites of ISRO in geostationary orbits are
tracked and controlled by the Master Control Facility (MCF) which is located at Hassan in
Karnataka and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
India’s space journey began from Thumba, a fishing hamlet and fifty years later ISRO launched
MOM from Sriharikota ten months after that India became the first country in the world to put a
satellite around Mars the Red Planet. So from Fishing Hamlet to Red Planet tracks the amazing
journey of the Indian Space Programme which represents three generations of ISRO professionals:
the first generation of visionaries and pioneers who laid the foundation and built the technological
giant called ISRO, the second generation that struggled to design and develop operational satellites
and launch vehicles and the third that is now literally reaching for the stars.
CURRENT SCENARIO
I. Upcoming Missions:-
Various space agencies worldwide have been on a mission to explore celestial bodies out in space
for decades. ISRO has conducted various missions since its establishment in 1969. To further
strengthen India’s position in the space race, ISRO has likewise been making several breakthroughs
in developing space technology - with missions planned for the decade and beyond.NISAR, Aditya
L1, Chandrayaan 3 and Gaganyaan are ISRO’s upcoming missions.
NISAR: NASA-ISRO SAR(Synthetic Aperture Radar) (NISAR) is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
observatory being jointly developed by NASA and ISRO. NISAR will map the globe in 12 days and
provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in earth's ecosystems,
ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, groundwater and natural hazards. The flagship
partnership would have major contributions from both agencies. NASA is responsible for providing
the L-Band SAR payload system, which the ISRO supplied the S-Band SAR payload. A perfect
blend of two cultures and was created by two sets of craftsmen
is what NISAR is.
Aditya-L1: Aditya-L1 shall be the first space-based Indian mission to study the sun. The spacecraft
shall be placed in a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth system’s Lagrange point 1 (L1), about 1.5
million KM from the Earth. A satellite in the halo orbit around the L1 point has the major advantage
of continuously viewing the sun without occultation/eclipses. This will provide a tremendous
advantage in observing solar activities and their real-time effects on space weather. The spacecraft
carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layer of the sun
(The Corona) using electromagnetic particle and magnetic field detectors.
Chandrayaan 3: The Chandrayaan 3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan 2 to demonstrate
end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. It consists of Lander and
Rover configurations. It will be launched by LVM3(Launch Vehicle Mark-3) from SDSC SHAR,
Sriharikota. The propulsion module has a Spectron-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE)
payload to study Earth’s spectral and polarimetric measurements from the lunar orbit.
Gaganyaan: The Gaganyaan project envisages a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by
launching a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 KM for a 3 days mission and bringing them back
safely to earth by landing in Indian sea waters. The project is accomplished through an optimal
strategy by considering in-house expertise, the experience of Indian industry, the intellectual
capabilities of Indian academia & research institutions, and cutting-edge technologies available
with international agencies. Human safety is of paramount importance in the Gaganyaan mission.
To ensure the same, various new technologies are being developed.
II. Reforms in the Indian Space Programme:-
The global space economy is currently valued at about USD 360 billion. Despite being one of a few
spacefaring nations in the world, India accounts for only about 2% of the space economy. Over the
last two decades, the private sector has played an increasingly important role in other spacefaring
countries within the global space economy. India’s Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra
Modi, has emphasised the need to promote private sector activity in all high technology areas,
including space, to unlock the potential of India’s youth and entrepreneurs fully. Promoting the
private sector will enable the Indian Space Programme to remain cost competitive within the global
space market and thus create several jobs he space and other related sectors.
Guiding Principles Of Reforms:-
● Enable and promote private enterprises to carry out independent space activities.
● Open up ISRO infrastructure and technologies.
● Inspire youngsters and dreamers.
● Public sector to focus on research and development work.
● Demand-driven approach for the development of space assets.
Impact Of Reforms:-
● Industries, start-ups, and academia have warmly welcomed the space sector reforms and the
new In-Spacee mechanism.
● More than 40 proposals from start-ups, MSMEs and industries have already been received
for future consideration by IN-SPACe, in response to the system.
● A new Indian Space Association has been created to function as the advisory and advocacy
group for the Space industry.
● Applications have been invited to transfer technology for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
(PSLV) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which has generated tremendous
interest from the private sector.
● Non-Disclosure agreements and MOUs for the transfer of technologies have been signed
between ISRO centres and several private sector companies.
● 6 space technology incubation centres are operational at Agartala, Trichy, Jalandhar,
Rourkela, Nagpur and Bhopal.
III. Indian Space Policy 2023:-
The new Indian Space Policy was made public on April 20, 2023 states that ISRO shall transition
out from manufacturing operational space systems and focus its energies on research and
development in advanced technologies. The Indian Space Policy - 2023 which was approved by the
Cabinet Committee on Security on April 6,,2023 also permits non-government entities (NGEs) to
offer national and international space-based communication services, through self-owned, procured
or leased geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems.
The Government of India unleashed reforms in the space domain in 2020, opening the doors for
enhanced participation of NGEs in carrying out end-to-end activities in the space domain and
providing them with a level playing field. After these reforms, the Government seeks to provide
regulatory certainty to space activities by various stakeholders, to create a thriving space ecosystem.
The Indian Space Policy – 2023 has thus been formulated as an overarching, composite and
dynamic framework to implement the reform vision approved by Cabinet.
Vision:- To augment space capabilities; enable, encourage and develop a flourishing commercial
presence in space; use space as a driver of technology development and derived benefits in allied
areas; pursue international relations, and create an ecosystem for effective
implementation of space applications among all stakeholders; for, the nation’s socio-economic
development and security, protection of environment and lives, pursuing peaceful exploration of
outer space, stimulation of public awareness and scientific quest.
As stated in the Indian Space Policy-2023:-
● NGEs shall be allowed to undertake end-to-end activities in the space sector through the
establishment and operation of space objects, ground-based assets and related services, such
as communication, remote sensing, navigation etc. This would be subject to such guidelines
as prescribed by IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre),
● IN-SPACe shall function as an autonomous Government organisation, mandated to promote,
handhold, guide and authorise space activities in the country. For this purpose, IN-SPACe
shall periodically issue guidelines and procedures that would, among other things, promote
ease of doing business.
● ISRO, as the National Space Agency, will focus primarily on the research and development
of new space technologies and applications and on expanding the human understanding of
outer space.
● NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), as the Public Sector Undertaking under DOS, shall 1) be
responsible for commercialising space technologies and platforms created through public
expenditure.
2) manufacture, lease or procure space components, technologies, platforms and other assets
from the private or public sector, on sound commercial principles.
3) service the space-based needs of users, whether Government entities or NGEs, on sound
commercial principles.
Applicability and Implementation:- This policy applies to any space activity to or from Indian
Territory or within the jurisdiction of India, including the area to the limit of its exclusive economic
zone. Notwithstanding anything in this policy, GOI reserves its right to provide exemptions to the
provisions contained herein on a case-to-case basis.
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
The present solutions incorporated by the government have also contributed significantly to the
pursuit of India’s growth in the space sciences. Space Technology Incubation Centres (STIC) were
set up in 2018 in several parts of the country, to increase space research activity. There are currently
nine Space Technology Cells (STC) operating within academic institutions as part of this initiative,
six Space Technology Incubation Centres (STIC) working in Varanasi, Kurukshetra, Jaipur,
Guwahati, Surathkal, and Patna, and six Regional Academic Centres for Space (RACS) operating in
Agartala, Trichy, Jalandhar, Rourkela, Nagpur, and Bhopal. ISRO and the Central University of
Jammu have created the Satish Dhawan Centre for Space Sciences. ISRO and academia have signed
several MOUs and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
To the government's vision of "Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan," ISRO announced an annual special
programme entitled "Young Scientist Programme" or the "YUva VIgyani KAryakram" (YUVIKA)
in 2019. The Program's primary goal is to teach young people the fundamentals of space
technology, space science, and space applications to inspire them to pursue careers in the intriguing
field of space exploration. In May 2022, the second batch of the YUVIKA programme was held.
On the 25th of November 2022, M/s Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, constructed the first
private launchpad and mission control centre on the ISRO premises at Satish Dhawan Space Centre
(SDSC) SHAR.
The Indian government announced extensive reforms to the space sector on June 26, 2020. These
reforms would see more private sector involvement in India's space programme and significant
growth in the country's market share in the global space economy. The Honourable Prime Minister
opened the IN-SPACe Headquarters in Ahmedabad in June 2022.
The creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and the
growth of New Space India Limited (NSIL) are the two key focal points of the Reform. To create an
ecosystem of businesses, academia, and start-ups and to attract a significant share of the global
space economy, the Government of India announced the creation of IN-SPACe in June 2020 as an
autonomous body under the Department of Space. This will be done by approving and regulating
NGE activities in the space sector through specific guidelines and procedures.
The Cabinet Committee gave its approval to the Indian Space Policy 2023. The goal of the strategy
is to formalise private sector involvement in the space industry, with ISRO concentrating on
cutting-edge space technology research and development.
The Defence Space Agency (DSA) of India, which is sponsored by the Defence Space Research
Organisation (DSRO), was recently established. Its mission is to develop weapons that "degrade,
disrupt, destroy, or deceive an adversary's space capability." Additionally, at the Gandhinagar
Defence Expo 2022, the Indian Prime Minister inaugurated the Defence Space Mission.
All of these resolutions have been incredibly accrediting to the development of the Indian Space
Program and such initiatives showcase India’s strength and potential to grow in the Space arena.
SUGGESTED MODERATED CAUCUS TOPICS
1. Discussing ways in which India can increase its participation in international space missions and
collaborations.
2. Discussing how India can develop its satellite technology to boost self-reliance in space.
3. Evaluating the steps India must consider to take to foster a thriving commercial space industry.
4. Analysing how India can encourage more students to pursue careers in space-related fields.
5. Discussing how India can leverage its space capabilities to enhance its diplomatic relations with
other countries.
6. Discussing the legal frameworks required to govern the judicious use of space technology.
7. Discussing how India can enhance its space security capabilities.
8. Evaluating the steps that India can take to achieve its goal of sending astronauts to space.
9. Analysing the applications of space technology in national development.
10. Discussing various measures through which India can support and encourage entrepreneurs to
develop innovative space technology.
RESEARCH LINKS
(Note: Delegates, some of the links are only meant for light reading and thus are not highlighted,
only refer to the highlighted sources as valid proof as others may or may not be accepted as a
source of proof in the Council. The decision of the Presiding Officer regarding the acceptable
sources is Final and Binding. )
1. https://transformingindia.mygov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Space-reform-booklet-com
pressed-1.pdf
2. https://www.isro.gov.in
3. https://www.iirs.gov.in/internationalcollaborations
4. https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/india-space-exploration-milestones-202
2-year-ender-8346097/
5. https://unacademy.com/content/bank-exam/study-material/general-awareness/vikram-sarabh
ai-and-the-indian-space-program/
6. https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/nov/doc20221125136
001.pdf
7. https://asean-iit.in/history-of-indias-space-journey/
8. https://www.newslaundry.com/2019/12/08/the-genesis-of-the-indian-space-program
9. https://www.space.com/topics/india-space-program
10. https://www.eoiparis.gov.in/page/overview-of-the-indian-space-sector/
11. https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-india-blogs/indias-race-space-new-heights-exploration
12. https://www.nytimes.com/topic/subject/indias-space-program
13. https://carnegieindia.org/2022/03/30/war-in-ukraine-its-implications-on-india-s-space-86760
14. https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/ESA_Ground_Stations/ESA_and_Indian_
space_agency_ISRO_agree_on_future_cooperation
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