Why has Tamil Nadu adopted a space sector policy?, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• On April 17, the Tamil Nadu Cabinet approved a Space Industrial Policy, aiming to attract ₹10,000 crore investment in the next five years.
• Tamil Nadu follows Karnataka and Gujarat in formulating a state-specific space sector policy.
• The policy focuses on satellite manufacturing, launch services, and data fusion from space applications.
• Tamil Nadu already hosts ISRO’s Propulsion Complex (IRPC) at Mahendragiri and will soon host India’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam (Thoothukudi).
• NIT Trichy hosts the Space Technology Incubation Centre (STIC) in collaboration with ISRO.

Detailed Insights:

• Why a State Policy Now?
  • The Indian Space Policy 2023 laid the national framework.
    • IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) urged states to create facilitative policies for Non-Government Entities (NGEs).
    • Tamil Nadu had already identified space as a focus area in its Aerospace & Defence Policy (2021).
  • Strategic Strengths of Tamil Nadu:
    • Strong base in electronics, precision manufacturing, cryogenic engine R&D, and aerospace vendors (250+).
    • Policy complements Tamil Nadu’s existing defence and electronics ecosystems.
  • Policy Provisions:
    • Employment Goal: Generate 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
    • Space Bay Clusters: Notified industrial parks for space activity.
    • Incentives:
      • Up to ₹300 crore investments: special incentive packages.
        • R&D companies: eligible for payroll subsidies.
        • Housing subsidy for developers in industrial parks.
        • Up to 25% capital subsidy for sustainable green developments (capped at ₹5 crore).
    • Future Potential:
      • Tamil Nadu aims to become a national space-tech hub by encouraging private space startups, particularly in:
        • Reusable launch vehicles
          • Multi-payload data fusion
          • In-space manufacturing and refuelling
          • Ground segment and analytics

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• IN-SPACe: Regulatory and promotional body for India’s space economy involving private players.
• Cryogenic Engine: Engine using super-cooled fuels (liquid hydrogen & oxygen), key for heavy-lift launch vehicles.
• Data Fusion from Satellites: Integrating multiple data streams (optical, thermal, radar) for enhanced analytics in sectors like agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.

Significance:

• Strengthens federal decentralization of India’s space economy.
• Enables Make in India for Space through private participation.
• Helps in realising India’s vision of becoming a space superpower, while generating economic and employment gains at the state level.

Mains Mock Question:

Q. Examine the rationale behind states like Tamil Nadu formulating their own space sector policies. How do such regional policies complement the national space strategy?