Indian Space Policy 2023 Expands Participation of Non-Government Entities and Approves LIGO-India Project
TFP Bureau New Delhi, August 10, 2023 – Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, announced today the approval and release of the Indian Space Policy – 2023. This significant policy marks a turning point in India’s space sector, allowing Non-Government Entities (NGEs) to engage extensively across the entire value chain of the space economy. The policy also establishes clear roles for key stakeholders including IN-SPACe, ISRO, NSIL, and DOS.
In response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Singh outlined the establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), designed as a central agency for the promotion and authorization of space activities. The budget allocations for IN-SPACe over the coming years are as follows:
– 2021-22: Rs. 10 Crore
– 2022-23: Rs. 33 Crore
– 2023-24: Rs. 95 Crore
Furthermore, Dr. Singh disclosed that the Government of India has granted approval for the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory – India (LIGO-India) project, a monumental initiative in the field of gravitational wave research. This project is set to be executed under the leadership of the Department of Atomic Energy, with an estimated cost of Rs. 2600 Crore. Once completed, LIGO-India will serve as a national facility for both detecting gravitational waves and conducting research in related areas of astronomy.
Turning to the subject of Chandrayaan-3, Dr. Singh shared that the spacecraft was successfully launched aboard LVM-3 on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR. As of now, the spacecraft is situated in a translunar orbit, with the Lunar-Orbit Insertion (LOI) anticipated to occur on August 5, 2023.
With the approval of the Indian Space Policy – 2023 and the green light for the LIGO-India project, India’s space ambitions are poised to reach new heights. The policy’s emphasis on collaboration with Non-Government Entities and the significant investment in advanced projects like LIGO-India underscore the nation’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and research.
