Global space norms find a firm footing in India’s new re-entry rules, Pg II

Key Highlights:

• India has introduced its first guidelines on planned re-entry of space objects, issued by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
• The guidelines aim to regulate responsibilities for India's expanding orbital footprint and address the sustainability of outer space activities.
• They were released days after the success of Vikram-1 and coincide with India's third National Space Day.
• The new rules focus on accountability for operators, establish an acceptable casualty risk threshold, and outline a structured permission process.

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Detailed Insights:

• The necessity for re-entry rules arises from the increasing number of satellites in Low-Earth Orbit and the proliferation of private space launches.
• Uncontrolled re-entry poses significant risks, including deviation from planned paths, fragmentation, and potential impact on airspace, maritime zones, or foreign territories.
• The UN Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities define sustainability as maintaining space activities while preserving the outer space environment for future generations.
• IN-SPACe authorization is mandatory for any Indian entity undertaking planned re-entry, and non-Indian entities must operate through an Indian-incorporated entity.
• A "planned re-entry" specifically refers to objects designed to survive re-entry or intentionally controlled towards a particular landing area, requiring distinct authorization.
• The guidelines mandate that the expected casualty risk must remain below 1 in 10,000, supported by quantitative survivability and ground-casualty assessments.
• Operators are required to apply for re-entry permissions well in advance and obtain an IN-SPACe advisory note to issue warnings to airborne and marine vessels.
• These guidelines translate international 'soft law' principles, such as those from the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee, into binding domestic obligations for Indian operators.
• They also address financial risks under the Space Liability Convention 1972, making operators liable for third-party damage and indemnifying the Indian government.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe): An autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space, Government of India, responsible for promoting, authorizing, and supervising private space activities.
• Planned Re-entry: The controlled return of a space object to Earth, specifically designed to survive re-entry or target a predetermined landing or impact area.
• Space Liability Convention 1972: An international treaty that establishes absolute liability for a launching state for damage caused by its space object on the surface of the Earth or to aircraft in flight.
• UN Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities: A set of international principles developed to ensure the safe and sustainable use of outer space for current and future generations.