In an interview with Geospatial World, Dr. Namrata Goswami, an author, professor and consultant specializing in space policy, international relations, states her views on a plethora of topics ranging from the need of FDI policy in Indian space sector to the implications of Space Race 2.0.
Excerpt
What do you think will be the impact of FDI in Indian space sector?
It is a very critical move to develop a robust FDI in the space sector if India realistically wants to meet its goal of contributing $40 billion to the global space sector by 2040. Without a liberalized space economy, that is going to be difficult.
FDI policy in the space sector will also align with India’s 2023 space policy that establishes the institutional processes to open up the Indian new space sector and build commercialization.
An FDI policy that enables satellite manufacturing, operations, data sharing, and establishes robust supply chain mechanisms will be very useful in empowering India’s private players in space.
Recently, the President of France H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron visited India during Republic Day. How do you think India France relation is going to affect the space collaboration in both the countries?
France is a major space player in Europe with the only launch system (Ariane 6) available in Europe; India is building its medium and heavy-lift rockets by 2030. Collaboration towards building launch systems, and satellite manufacturing is a great way forward between France and India.
Both the countries have committed to working on space norms and guidelines through United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS). This is a vital step as both India and France are major space players in their regional context.
Collaboration between India and France on norms regarding responsible use of space, space capabilities like satellite manufacturing and launch systems, and building resilient supply chain mechanisms, will empower both France and India to establish their status as major powers in space.
Collaborating on missions to the Moon and Mars is another venue for space cooperation.
How can both the countries work together to use space for social benefits and promote sustainability?
France and India can collaborate in building nuclear propulsion technology that can bring down the cost of space travel; they can develop a joint concept for the development of space-based solar power, a technology that promises to harness solar power in space where it is 24 hours and can help address climate change, as well as develop a joint mapping of space debris and space situational awareness.
What are your views on the ongoing Space Race 2.0 in the context of China?
China has the most ambitious space program today. They have announced their goals of becoming the lead actor in space by 2049. They have plans to establish a base on the Moon by 2036; a human Mars mission by 2045, generate solar power from space to earth by 2050, and establish nuclear propelled space crafts by 2050 as well.
Last year, China announced that they will be making their Long March 9 heavy lift rocket with a capacity to launch 140 metric tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) reusable by 2030. The development of methane powered spacecraft has a direct implication for reusable technology.
Second, China views space as integral to its Comprehensive National Power (CNP) and for China to emerge as the world leader in the international system by 2050. Developing space technology and dominating its access adds to China’s overall CNP.
China is also focused on accessing resources in space like Helium 3 and water ice on the moon and asteroid resources. It is the first nation to establish a Space Based Solar Power program, a renewable technology that aims to gather sunlight in space where it is 24 hours and beam it back to Earth by wireless transmission of power.
