Space Exploration(Part-2)

 Lecture 13 Space Exploration(Part-2) 

Issues with Space Utilization

With the rising space launch capabilities around the globe, the space debris are increasing day by day creating a global concerns regarding successful launch of satellites. Also space being a global common, the peaceful use of space will ensure the benefits for humankind. 

Kessler Syndrome- Space scenario in which the number of satellites and orbital debris is so high that collisions occur, each one generating more and more space debris and, in turn, cascading collisions.

 

Space Treaties

To peacefully utilize the space with global cooperation, there are following international treaties- 

1. Outer Space Treaty(1967)- It prohibits countries from placing nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction in space(including celestial bodies) to ensure peaceful use of Space. India is a member of this treaty. 

2. Rescue Agreement(1968)- Members to the agreement must provide all possible assistance to rescue the personnel of a spacecraft under street situation. 

3. Space Liability Convention(1972)- Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects launched from a country

4. Registration Convention(1976)- The convention requires states to furnish the details about the orbit of each space object to UN. A registry of launchings is being maintained by the United Nations. 

5. Moon Treaty(1979)- Framework of laws for peaceful use of Moon and other celestial bodies within the Solar System, including orbits around or other trajectories to or around them.

The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space(COPUOS) oversees these treaties and other questions regarding space jurisdiction. 

Space Governance in India

Indian Space Association(ISpA, 2021)- Industry association for Indian space and satellite manufacturing companies

FDI Policy(2024)- 100% FDI is allowed in space sector but there are restrictions on automatic route(FDI) as follows:

• Up to 49%(FDI automatic route)- Launch vehicles, spaceports and associated systems
• Up to 74%(FDI automatic route)- Satellite manufacturing and operation,
• 100%(FDI automatic route)- Manufacture components and systems/subsystems for satellites, ground and user segments.

Private Industry in Space Sector- 

• Gopichand Thotakura- first Indian space tourist, completing a journey aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft.
• Dhruva Space Private Limited- first space startup of India
• Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited- India's first rocket launching private company it launched its first rocket Vikram S(suborbital rocket)
• Agnikul Cosmos- Inaugurated India’s first private space vehicle launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC) in Sriharikota. And successfully launched Agnibaan from their privately owned launch pad(first to do so in India).

Use of Space Technology for Climate initiative

Tanager 1(NASA)- To track methane and carbon dioxide emissions.

PREFIRE(Polar Radiant Energy in the Far InfraRed Experiment- NASA)- Study heat emissions at Earth’s poles.

PACE(Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem- NASA)- To monitor Climate, Ocean & Atmosphere

TRISHNA(Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment)- Monitoring of Earth's surface temperature, emissivity, biophysical and radiation variables for surface energy budgeting at regional to global scale.launched by collaboration of ISRO and France.

Artemis Accords- Prospective collaboration on missions to the Moon by NASA in collaboration with many countries including India.

Copernicus(ESA)- Anticipate environmental conditions on land, at sea, and in the air.

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