Plugging the Gaps Prioritizing Space and Spatial Component in Policymaking

India needs to escalate efforts towards instituting spatial data sharing and building resilient space systems for the purpose of national defence. By Nibedita Mohanta equally critical, though remains understressed as of now.

Lt. General Prakash

Katoch, Former DG Information Systems of Indian Army rues that “the 17 member strong Geospatial Data Promotion Development Committee (GDPFC) has only one member from the Ministry of Defence (MoD); who can hardly ensure the considerable responsibility and role of his ministry in geospatial data acquisition”.

Bridging these gaps and ensuring synergy with defence is a key priority as space becomes the next battleground. India is the fourth country in the world with ASAT capabilities, however, unlike USA or China, the progress on a dedicated space force is lackadaisical, as Prof. Arup Dasgupta, Managing Editor, Geospatial World points out.

Boosting Preparedness

The recently-released Indian Space Policy 2023 provides a comprehensive framework for overseeing space activities, setting ambitious goals for growth and development. With the establishment of IN-SPACe as the regulatory authority, it emphasizes promotion of indigenous technologies and deepening international cooperation.

“The policy equips the private sector to build rockets, satellites, launch vehicles, data collection as well dissemination, over all access to end-to-end activities,” says Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science & Technology Jitendra Singh.

Defence Vantage

Dr. S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO states that the space agency will help in maximising private player’s participation in space activities, leading to a five-fold increase in India’s share in global space economy.

However, defence domain of space and spatial applications is

The formation of Defence Space Agency (DSA) in 2018 is a great administrative step in the right direction, but it requires a cohesive integration with the policies and the system at a broader scale. Overall, India's defense readiness in space is an area that requires immediate attention.

“Most space-faring nations commenced Space sector in defence and then adopted it for civilian use. India needs to catch up, and government needs to be more proactive in policies that direct, facilitate, and push the private sector for strategic space applications,” says Lt Gen PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (R), Former Deputy Chief of Indian Integrated Defence Staff.

Unlike the airspace boundaries where conducting Intelligence,

Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operations outside national boundaries is done with a caution, space provides an unrestricted access for such operations.

Besides intelligence collection, new technologies like space-based internet, ASAT systems, and electronic warfare (EW) systems possess a huge threat and opportunity at the same time. Space assets play a vital role in surveillance, communication, reconnaissance, and early warning systems, enabling governments to monitor their territories, gather intelligence, and respond to security threats effectively.

“One of the prime examples from the recent times is the Russia-Ukraine conflict which could also be termed, if not

Areas the full but the first small scale Space War,” says Ankit Bhateja, Founder and Director, Xovian Aerospace Pvt. Ltd.

He states that “space is becoming increasingly important from the national security point of view both from the defensive and offensive perspectives and demands a revisit on the obsolete infrastructure and policies in place in order to address the challenges that are waiting in the journey ahead”

Safeguarding Assets

“To effectively safeguard our national security, we must expedite the development and acquisition of advanced space technologies. This includes enhancing our space-based surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering capabilities,” says Awais Ahmed, CEO, Pixxel order to strengthen its presence in space,” adds Bhateja.

Indigenous PNT

Indigenous PNT serves as the backbone of some key technologies that enable the growth of the multiple industry vertical. It is hard to imagine even a single second without PNT data in this modern age, a PNT denial scenario could cause havoc at mass scale without even the use of WMDs.

“During Kargil conflict, India was denied GPS use. Navigation tracking and precise targeting was not possible. We need better guidance systems too, which are to be based on Indian PNT. Our deep battles shall be defeated if the adversary can spoof or manipulate the PNT. Therefore indigenous PNT is the need of the hour,” mentions Lt. Gen Pannu.

1. Skilled manpower creation and retention

2. large-scale Industry academia tie-ups

3. Indigenous data hosting infrastructure

4. Advanced materials and electronics

5. Indigenisation of the enabling infrastructure

“It is essential to intensify research and development efforts focused on space-based sensors, advanced imaging systems, and other cutting-edge technologies that can provide us with a strategic advantage in defense operations,” Ahmed adds.

“With China expanding its footprint in space through technology deployment & making revisions in its conscription laws, allowing retired service people to re-enlist in the forces, with increased focus on space and cyberwarfare. It is now a wakeup call for India in

“Indigenous and reliable PNT ensures strategic autonomy, reducing dependence on foreign systems, which may be subject to limitations or interruptions during times of conflict or political tensions,” adds Ahmed. It also fosters technological self-reliance, spur innovation, and provide economic benefits by enabling the development of indigenous applications and services.

Indigenous navigation system not only enhances nation’s ability in providing reliable high accuracy services for the battlefield operations but also proves to be highly impactful in the evolution and advancement of various industries relying on these services.

Nibedita Mohanta

Assistant Editor, Geospatial World Nibedita@geospatialmedia.net