Subject: Economics

The emergence of space debris and increasing commercial space activities have highlighted the critical importance of understanding sovereign airspace rights and their implications for outer space governance. The 1944 Chicago Convention established fundamental principles that continue to shape modern aviation and space laws.

Understanding Airspace and its Legal Framework

• Territorial Airspace: Extends vertically above a country's land and territorial waters, where the nation exercises complete sovereignty and control.
• Legal Framework: The Chicago Convention's Article 1 provides countries with exclusive sovereignty over their airspace, enabling them to regulate air traffic and protect national security.
• Vertical Limits: No internationally agreed-upon height limit exists between sovereign airspace and outer space, creating regulatory challenges.

Implications for Space Above Airspace

• Space Activities: Countries retain the right to launch space vehicles through their airspace while respecting international space law.
• Commercial Space Growth: ISRO's achievements in 2023, launching 5 Indian and 46 foreign satellites, demonstrate increasing space commercialization.
• Debris Management: By 2023, India had 82 rocket bodies in orbit, highlighting the growing challenge of space debris.

Challenges and Threats

• Space Debris Proliferation: The presence of 52 debris pieces from the 2001 PSLV-C3 accident shows the long-term impact of space activities.
• Regulatory Gaps: Absence of clear boundaries between airspace and outer space creates jurisdictional uncertainties.
• Security Concerns: Increasing satellite constellations and space activities pose risks to national security and air traffic safety.

Way Forward

• International Collaboration: India's participation in the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and partnerships with NASA and ESA for data exchange.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Implementation of India's 2023 Space Policy encouraging private sector participation in Space Situational Awareness.
• Technological Solutions: Innovative approaches like the India-Japan partnership for laser-equipped satellites for debris removal.

India's proactive approach through international cooperation and domestic policy reforms demonstrates a balanced strategy to address these emerging challenges while promoting sustainable space utilization. The success of initiatives like InspeCity and collaborative debris management efforts will be crucial for ensuring safe and responsible space operations.