Race for Low Earth orbit: What Vikram-1 launch means for India, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• India's first privately developed launch vehicle, Vikram-1, successfully placed technology demonstration satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• The launch was conducted by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace from Sriharikota, making it India's first space unicorn.
• This achievement positions India as the third country globally, after the US and China, to possess private launch capability.
• The development follows the government's decision to open the space sector to private companies in 2020 and the formalization under the Indian Space Policy of 2023.

Detailed Insights:

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is defined as the region between 160 km and 2,000 km above Earth's surface, where satellites typically orbit in 90-120 minutes.
• LEO is preferred for communication, Earth observation, and imaging satellites due to reduced signal latency.
• Orbital slots in LEO operate on a first-come-first-served basis, leading to a competitive "gold rush" for advantageous positions.
• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prevents any nation or corporation from claiming ownership over an orbit.
• Competition primarily focuses on access to preferred orbital shells and radio-frequency slots managed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
• An "orbital shell" refers to a layer of satellites at the same altitude and orbital inclination.
• This framework incentivizes "speculative squatting" and the deployment of satellite "megaconstellations" by countries like China (e.g., Guowang and Qianfan).
• Vikram-1 provides India with assured access for launching small satellites, addressing an underserved market segment.
• Its strategic value lies in creating sovereign "surge capacity" for rapidly deploying intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites, crucial for national security.
• India faces challenges in the LEO race, including the need to increase launch frequency and overcome structural bottlenecks like lack of scale and delays in ISRO's reusable rocket development.
• The government has introduced a Rs 1,000-crore venture capital fund to support early-stage space startups.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): The region of space between 160 km and 2,000 km above Earth's surface, commonly used for satellites.
• Indian Space Policy of 2023: A policy framework by the Indian government to promote private sector participation in the space industry.
• 1967 Outer Space Treaty: An international treaty prohibiting national appropriation of outer space and celestial bodies.
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU): A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for managing global radio spectrum and satellite orbits.