Key highlights of the policy
Published by: The Department of Space has published a draft “Space- based Remote Sensing Policy of India (SpaceRS Policy 2020)” along with draft “Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (SpaceRS NGP 2020)” for its implementation.
Aim: SpaceRS Policy 2020 is aimed at enabling wider stakeholders’ participation and ease of data access.
SpaceRS Policy-2020 Norms
The SpaceRS Policy-2020 enables the activities of satellite based remote sensing under four major statements. SpaceRS Policy-2020 states that the Government of India shall –
- Promote Indian Industries to carry out space based remote sensing activities within and outside India.
- Enable easy access to space based remote sensing data, except for “sensitive data and information”.
- Concentrate on realisation of space based remote sensing systems to cater to the country’s needs, that cannot be effectively, affordably and reliably satisfied by the commercial entities, either due to national security concerns or economic factors.
- Provide a timely and responsive regulatory environment for the commercial Indian industry to establish and operate space based remote sensing systems
As per the policy, any service provider will be free to provide remote sensing data and services to any user in the country
Classification of data
Due to national security considerations, a category of data will be identified as ‘sensitive’ and a different mechanism for dissemination of such data is envisaged
Details of other key features:
Participation of Indian entities in Space based Remote Sensing activities:
- Under the provisions of SpaceRS Policy-2020, Indian entities can establish and operate satellite remote sensing systems to provide remote sensing data.
- NGPEs can also undertake design, development and realization of satellites and associated remote sensing systems.
- They can establish satellite system through their own built satellite or procured satellite.
- They can establish Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) and Satellite data reception stations in or outside India.
Authorizations for space based remote sensing:
- Government encourages all Indian entities to venture into space sector and provide competitive services in the country
- The remote sensing activities within the Indian territory can be carried out, only with an authorized space asset
- Any Indian registered non-Government Private Entity (NGPE) intending to set up the ground station for satellite data reception, facilities for satellite tracking, controlling and monitoring, within Indian territory, shall need authorization.
Realization of space based remote sensing systems for societal applications, strategic purpose and research & development
- The emphasis on research and development shall continue to be under DOS in the areas of
- Implementation of societal programmes aimed at national development
- Development of satellites for strategic applications, and
- Remote sensing satellite technologies including technology demonstration.
- . Promotion of usage of space based remote sensing systems
Promotion of usage of space based remote sensing systems
- DOS shall endeavour to provide the space based remote sensing systems it has established, through its designated PSU/CPSE
Provision of timely and responsive regulatory environment:
Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), an independent body constituted by Government of India, under Department of Space (DOS), shall accord necessary authorizations and permissions for all space based remote sensing activities, to or from Indian territory
