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Over the years, India has undergone several structural reforms and policy changes. India is marked as one the fastest growing Economy aiming to replace top Countries like USA and Germany in the coming 10-15 years. Despite all the sectoral reforms, technological advancements, and growth at 6.9 percent, according to World Bank, India lacks in the developmental front in terms of a significant rise in Income inequality, suggesting the top 10% population acquires 60% of the total wealth[2]. The Digital divide broadens further if we compare the Gender Digital divide as only 31% of the girls in India are Mobile Phone users.[3] The urban-rural healthcare divide, Sanitation, and Education gap are affecting the developmental capacity of the nation. India needs to take advantage and reap in the Economic benefits of being a country in the middle of a Demographic dividend. United Nations General Assembly in September 2015 adopted Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030. India is one of the 190 Member States who are trying to achieve sustainability in terms of Economy, Society, and Environment. The Space sector has the potential to drive up the pace of India in achieving the 17 SDG targets. In the past as well, space sector has proved itself to be beneficial in creating socio-economic benefits to society through the maximization of its vast range of applications.

The Indian space Economy literature is not extensive; however, growing. Most of the literature available is from space agencies of countries like the USA and Europe, which maintain a good data repository. An overview of SDG goals that can be achieved through space technology innovation is presented in the UNOOSA report although they provide data for only the European Global Navigation Satellite System and Copernicus. The EY report presents a holistic approach to the lifecycle of the Indian Space Economy and its growth drivers. Space technology has successfully brought out a socioeconomic revolution in the world due to its potential to transform even stagnant societies in the most cost-effective and timely manner (U.R. Rao, 2021). He defines the assessment of quality life to encompass four major factors – food sufficiency, ecological integrity, economic security, and social equity. However, there are yet many other targets of a developing nation that can be achieved through space technology-based applications, which are presented in this study. Space technology is no longer the input for only traditional domains but proving to be effective in newly emerging domains such as entertainment as well. The majority of literature available on the Indian Space Economy are decades old when the privatization of space was not a growing concept. This study has tried to fill the existing literature gap related to Space Economy in India with relevant data and analysis.

The Indian Space Economy

The Indian Space Economy began with the setting up of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1969 with the idea of creating technological advancements in Space to support the developmental needs of goals set by the Indian Government. From launching its maiden satellite, Aryabhatta to launching the world’s most-cheapest yet successful Mars Mission – ‘Mangalyaan’, the Indian space sector has consistently evolved and made the nation proud boasting its technology prowess across the world. ISRO continues to work on the vision given by the father of Indian Space – Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Deemed as the ‘Sunrise Opportunity’, the Indian Space sector has the potential to create a sustainable environment for the Economy, allowing it to enhance productivity while catering to the needs of the poor. The recent policy changes and enhancing the role of the Private will further boost the growth rate at which the Indian Space sector grows. The private sector has the potential to ‘crowd in’ the Investment from foreign as well and lead to commercialization of the sector. Lowering the cost of launching satellites into space has given a boost to the number of satellites being launched into space every year. India entered into the global commercial launch service market with the launch of LVM3, placing 36 satellites into space. The indigenous technology leap will support the ‘Make in India’ mission of the nation. However, creating a robust environment for the ease of doing business in the space sector will be crucial for meeting sustainable development goals by 2030.  

The Indian Space Economy accounts for 2.1% of the global space economy in 2020 and is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the coming years. The global space economy has undergone multiple rapid transitions since its inception as it is no longer dominated by powerful nations. The Indian space sector has shown its strength through self-reliant programs bridging the inequality gaps in society. India will benefit from the rising demand for small-sats and LEO satellites by commercial launches globally. The space economy of India is closely related to other industries, has proved to be working according to Albert Hirschman’s idea – developing countries following an unbalanced growth path, focusing on the linkage effect. India witnessed ‘Backward linkages’ – rising manufacturing and research activities in the production process and ‘Forward linkages’ accelerated the economic activities where the output of space sector – satellites and launch vehicles became the input for other sectors. These linkages led India onto the path of development of the nation through improved access to quality education, communication and healthcare services. 

Role of Space technology in achieving SDGs

SDG Goal 1: No poverty

No poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

India accounts for the world’s highest number of poor (228.9 million)[4] in the world despite its high GDP. According to the Multidimensional Poverty Index, the number of people living below the poverty line has decreased, but the current Covid scenario has exacerbated the problem by delaying global growth by 3-10 years. Eradicating poverty remains to be the primary goal of every government since India’s Independence in 1947. Climate change are possessing new threats to Asian countries such as India. SDG 1 aims to reduce poverty to zero by 2030, ensuring the protection of the vulnerable and support to them. ISRO has developed applications that aim at improving agricultural productivity. In addition, EO data and GNSS can be integrated to create innovative solutions increasing the yield to more than 10%, and reducing inputs such as fuel, fertilizer, and pesticides by 20%. IRS series of Remote sensing satellites provide vital information about land use, mapping of soil characteristics and water management resources to the farmers. Satellite based hydrogeomorphological mapping provides exhaustive knowledge about the water bodies such a lakes, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs used for irrigation. 

The data received from satellites is used by major developmental banks – Asian Developmental Bank, World Bank and other agencies to measure the impact of policies and projects.  The Space sector is a booming domain and with the incoming of private companies, new jobs and startups will be provide more employment opportunities to the youth of nation. Georeferencing-based precise maps can help understand the location of health centers and schools, multiplying the effect of several local Government policies aimed at providing the benefits, especially in rural areas. 

SDG Goal 2: Zero hunger 

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21), India is home to nearly 35.5% children with stunting. Meghalaya has nearly half of its children suffering from stunting. Malnutrition continues to be one of the biggest challenges of the public healthcare system in India causing half of the deaths among children. Rising poverty levels worsen the situation and with rapidly growing population, food security becomes a major concern. The disparity continues among women and socially marginalized people of the country.  

At the same time, Food wastage is extremely high as well so much so that nearly 40% of food produced in India is wasted every year[5] occurring due to poor supply chains and management system. 

The NavIC provides quick and unbiased digital data about potential droughts and crop yields to make timely decisions in management of situations such as famine and crop failure. Since 1980, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Affair has been using the solution provided by ISRO for Crop production forecasting like the Mahalanobis National Crop Forecasting Centre. The Agricultural productivity can be improved to increase food production by enhancing the role of Space based applications and reaping its benefits to farmers, women, small-marginalised farmers, tribal and socio-economically marginalized sections of the society. Space technology solutions and data are being used by Government schemes such as FASAL project, use of geoiNformatics in the Coordinated programame on Horticulture Assessment and Management (CHAMAN)  project and National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System (NADAMS). The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna describes the use of satellite data for the KISAN[C(K)rop Insurance project. Sajala Watershed Development in Karnataka has led to decline in fallow lands to 10-15%, crop intensity improvement by 12% and crop yield increase from 6 to 15 percent in the rainfed condition using the EO applications[6].

SDG Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing 

Ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all ages

SDG 3 aims at providing health and ensuring well-being for all at all ages ranging from reproductive, maternal, childcare, universal health coverage, communicable - non-communicable disease and providing affordable-quality medicines. India has been working to improve its health status and has successfully led to great improvements over the years. However, a growing population continues to push burden on the existing infrastructure demanding for improved capacity building. Neonatal death in India occur majorly in Rural areas (60%) as the time to reach the maternity facility in case of emergency is significantly high. Building new hospitals and healthcare centres and appointing more doctors remains the most basic requirement of healthcare system in India. In such situations, Telemedicine has proved to be the most instant and unique solution especially during the hard-hit times of Covid. The ‘Infostructure’ built by ISRO has tried to reduce the gap between healthcare and patients in rural areas. The EO images are also used in prevention and protection from the diseases. Disability Assistance has been provided by the GNSS based products supporting the Alzheimer’s patients, people with vision issue and to support strength to body impaired patients. Space technology can be used to improve Air Quality which is a major health concern of world’s most polluted cities like Delhi as air quality deteriorates to severe levels. NASA shared images of extreme poor Air Quality over northern India through satellite images. Centre for Pollution Control in India can use satellite data to estimate the levels of particulate matter. The European Union uses eCall system for emergency support during accidents using GNSS technology. Smart wearables are additional devices using space technology for improving personal health management. They track physical activity and maintain an updated health record. 

SDG Goal 4: Quality Education 

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Higher literacy levels lead to social development of the nation as the literacy rate is strongly related to a nation’s GDP.  Countries with $200 PCI (Least developed) have 70-80 percent illiteracy, middle-income countries with $600 PCI have an illiteracy rate of 35-50 percent whereas developed countries with $10,000 PCI have less than 5 percent illiteracy. Although India has had achieved significant high literacy rate improvements since Independence, still the literacy rate in India is nearly 77.77%[7]. ISRO has launched successful programs such as Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) which was the vision of Sarabahai and later replicated by other countries such as Brazil, China and Mexico. EDUSAT and GRAMSAT satellites are used to provide Education in rural India. Today, illiteracy is not just measured in the traditional way of foundational reading and writing abilities but also digital way. Space technology can turn out to be the biggest supporter to impart Education throughout the nation. High speed internet in this era of ‘Digital India’ can supplement the learning material and idea of launching NPTEL and MIT Open Courseware. Maximizing the ICT based educational initiatives, satellite-based internet, skill development in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality can improve the outcomes of the National Education Policy of the Government. 

Figure 1: Internet Users in India

Source : World Bank Data

SDG Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Globally everyday nearly 1000 children die due to preventable water and sanitation related diseases. Over the years, Climate issue leading to water scarcity, inadequate quality for drinking and unhygienic sanitation has deprived individuals of not just good health but also Educational and livelihood opportunities. Successful missions such as Swachh Bharat mission have led to reduction in open defecation and improved sanitation across India. However, countries such as China have data available on water and hygiene but India still lacks such infrastructure. Space technology can come handy in providing reliable data at spatial and temporal scale through satellites to strengthen the WASH indicators[8]. Clean drinking water is the primary condition for a healthy living of individuals. EO is used widely to get satellite data about water management. Geo-spatial and remote sensing technology has been used to clean the rivers – National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). 

SDG Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all 

Energy is the source to achieving or transforming way of living. Affordable and Clean Energy is crucial for everything ranging from getting Electricity, Education, job, food and everything. The geographical location of India is such that it is abundant with all forms of renewable energy sources – Solar, Hydro, and Wind. Although most of India’s energy needs are met using Coal, Oil, and Solid biomass. The rapidly increasing Urbanization and Industrialization demands put pressure on Energy sources. In such times Infrastructure monitoring is crucial to achieving the benefits of sustainable energy. Solar and wind energy production forecasting and biomass production monitoring can be done using satellites. ISRO has shown interest in using nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) for launching rockets into space. This would be a unique experiment as the nuclear-propelled rockets will be more fuel efficient, reducing the energy cost to a trip to and from Mars at just ‘one tank of gas’ according to the US Energy Secretary. GNSS can provide accurate timing crucial for the synchronization required for putting up smart grids. The satellite images support additional data in seismic surveying by the oil/gas industries.  

SDG Goal 8: Decent work and Economic Growth 

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.   

India since the inception of ISRO has been a country with Government dominated space industry. However, the recent space policy changes allow for greater role of private players, innovation and startups. India has one of the highest demographic potential and in order to utilize it fully, employment opportunities for the youth must be provided. Space sector turns out to be a major attraction as nearly 25% of people in India want to take up work opportunities in Space  sector in contrast to major Economies like Germany, China, UK and USA[9]. India has 101 space start-ups registered with startupindia under DPIIT[10] and has 368 spacetech companies. This number has increased from mere 47 three years ago.  

Figure 2: SpaceTech Companies globally (May 2021)

Source: SpaceTech Industry 2021 / Q2: Landscape Overview”, SpaceTech Analytics, May 2021

Figure 3: New Space Companies working in different domains in India

Source : Europe Space Policy Institute

India allows for 100% FDI in the establishment and operation of satellites. A perfect amalgamation of modern policies and skilled labour will allow Indian Space industry to grow rapidly. In addition, sustained and inclusive economic growth is necessary to achieve SDG 8. In order to do so, women should be encouraged to become part of Space Industry. Startups are one such channel as their only condition to become part of their firm is Skill. The development and advancement in Space industry leads to spillover effects in other industries as well. India needs to grow at an annual compound rate of 48% in order to become USD 50 million space economy by 2024[11]. Space technology has wide applications in every domain of society. The increased demand for internet usage and satellites will be the most significant driving force behind the growing space economy. In addition, ensuring a safe and secure working environment for all can be achieved through the monitoring applications developed by ISRO. GNSS provide lone worker protection as a worker working alone faces greater potential danger in case of an accident and emergency. Tracking devices using GNSS can send automatic signals to the nearest emergency support. 

Figure 4: Landscape of Start-ups in India

Source: ESPI Report 79 - Emerging Spacefaring Nations - Full Report 

SDG Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation  

Infrastructure, Industrialization and Innovation run as a chain reaction where the infrastructure provides the physical structure/system for capacity development, Industrialization drives the Infrastructure to produce economic benefits and jobs and Innovation keeps on adding new technological advancement to keep growing further. Investment in Infrastructure lead to trickle-down positive effects in Education, Health, Communication, Productivity, Sustainability and Inclusive growth. EO and GNSS provide infrastructure monitoring and mappings such as those of roads, rural infrastructure, schools and hospitals. City infrastructure is majorly dependent on the GNSS facility of 24X7 global location information. SATCOM network provide additional infrastructure base to the existing telecommunication capacity. Industrialization would enhance the dominance of satellite technology among the masses by presenting Space sector as a potential business growth industry. ISRO’s budget has been increasing over the years and presently accounts for nearly 0.45% of the Government’s overall budget. IN-Space is a single window nodal agency that will act as the facilitator and regulator of Private companies in the Space sector. The agency will work to provide equal opportunity to the Private players, table their ideas and provide employment opportunities. For the first time, infrastructure and property under ISRO will be used by the private players. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is a PSU of the Government of India aiming to increase private player participation in the Indian Space Economy. 

Figure 5 : Budget of ISRO in comparison to overall budget of India (2016-2021)

Source: ISRO Annual Report and India’s Budget

SDG Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Make Cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

India is growing at a rapid pace with its urban population second highest at 635 million by 2035[12]. Such drastic rise in population will be coupled with increased demand of natural resources such as water, land, minerals and energy. "Cities occupy two percent of the total area, accommodate more than half of the world's population, account for 70 percent of Global GDP, consume 60 percent of global energy consumption, emit 70 percent of greenhouse gases, and produce 70 percent of total waste."[13] The SDG 11 aims at creating sustainable cities working on the advancements of space technology. Urban planning, smart waste management system, urban mobility, transportation and migration can utilize technology enabled through space. The National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH) can use space technology to fulfill the dream of building smart cities in India. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) requires sizeable geospatial database of at least 1:4000 for 500 towns and cities to complete the city's planning goals. GIS database-design standards document for AMRUT cities is created by ISRO alongwith the Ministry of Urban Development. Smart Cities planning teams and infrastructure building members can use the data available on Bhuvan Geo-platform. This portal maps the assets and monitors schemes. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Housing for all (Urban), uses mobile-based geo-tagging of the newly constructed houses to create a database. SATCOM technology can be used by the local Government bodies to improve telecommunication in Panchayati Raj blocks. ISRO can map-out the co-ordinates of heritage sites and classify them into ‘protected’, ‘prohibited’, and ‘regulated’ zones using the GAGAN dongle. Geospatial database is maintained through Rail-Navigator tools and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) by specifying the co-ordinates of unmanned level crossings. Paperless tickets using geo-fencing, GPS co-ordinates of suburban railway tracks is a facility marked for passengers to book tickets given their location is between 30 m and 2 km of outer tracks of suburban lines in Mumbai. In addition Air Quality and disaster management can be done using space technology of GNSS. 

SDG Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns  

Sustainable consumption and production aim at consuming and producing at such a rate that the future needs are not compromised. In order to provide a quality living for all with access to basic amenities with minimum social, environmental and economic costs, it is prudent to use space technology that imparts development benefits to the people. Natural Resource Management can be done by satellite images that provide accurate data and can be used to map the seasonal - monthly fluctuations. Food supply chain, forest management can be done accurately using GNSS to provide data to consumers about the input and ingredient’s origin. Dangerous food traceability is another important aim that can be done using the EO and GNSS. Harmful and illegal products being produced and transported can be identified by creating an Intelligent Transport System using GPS and tracking. Local tourism can be improved by involvement of AR and VR technology. Tourists can be given information about local sightseeing locations, waterfalls and treks etc. to boost the tourism industry. 

SDG Goal 13: Climate Action

Climate Change monitoring, Disaster Management, Search and Rescue Operations 

According to World Bank report, India could experience heat waves that will surpass the human survivability limit in the coming years. Such drastic Climate Effect requires immediate support from technology. SDG 13 draws Climate Action as a major concern affecting each and every nation everywhere across the Earth. Developing countries like India will be affected much worse due to rising industrialization and population effects. The detrimental effects will be spread across the sectors but skewed towards people living in informal settlements. India’s coastal cities such as Mumbai will experience rising sea levels and at the same time, 40% of India will face Water scarcity[14]. Every year wind and water erosion lead to the loss of nearly 150 Mha of land area and 6000 MT soil. India needs to enhance its work in gaining the sustainable effects of Earth Observation programs (EO) to meet the nation’s growing need of water, energy and resources. The technology can help in disaster management as well besides proving crucial for agriculture, food security, and poverty alleviation. EO programs are shifting their emphasis from working for to working with the community. Space technology provides cost and time-efficient solutions in comparison to traditional monitoring systems. Geospatial data is precise and accurate in mapping climate changes. NISAR – NASA and ISRO are working on a collaborative project to launch satellite to provide information for groundwater management, volcanic eruptions, melting glaciers and rising sea level. The use of GNSS reduces fuel consumption and hence lowers the air pollution. India launched several small satellite launch vehicles which significantly reduce the cost of fuel and subsequent pollution. India plans to launch NGLV which is a three-stage rocket using green fuel such as a combination of methane and liquid oxygen or kerosene and liquid oxygen. Transformation and shift to sustainable fuel in the Space Industry will reduce pollution and subsequent climate effect. 

SDG Goal 14: Life below Water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Mapping and monitoring of natural and protected areas 

The Indian Ocean and the coastal-marine resources are crucial for the economic development of India as they are the regions of agriculture, trade, fishing and tourism. It is also the world’s third largest water body and the coastal zone being home to nearly 14.2% population of India. Rich in minerals, resources and biodiversity, the Indian Blue Economy holds for 4% of GDP[15]. The continuous threat by Climate and rising population activities can be countered using space technology. Central Marine Fisheries Institute (CMFI) and ISRO developed a mobile app and centralized web portal for the management of Wetlands in India under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project. ISRO forecasts Advance Ocean State Forecast (AOSF) using space-borne observations, ocean studies and data assimilation techniques. ISRO’s EOS-06 satellite is the third generation Oceansat series that provides data on the Kd 490 distribution, ocean colour images, and oil spillages[16]. The GNSS-enabled vessel monitoring system provides data about the location and movement of vessels. The Meteorological & Oceanographic Satellite Data Archival Centre by ISRO provides meteorological and oceanographic satellite-based data. SDG 14 aims at reducing ocean acidification, overfishing, and illegal trade and maintaining the coastal ecosystem, which can be achieved using satellite technology.

SDG Goal 15: Life on Land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Bio-geophysical land surface monitoring, Animal tracking  

SDG 15 aims at conserving and sustainable usage of land resources such as forests the biodiversity. India is home to nearly 8% of the world’s flora and fauna[17], making it rich enough to be named as of the “megadiverse” countries. However, forestry or logging has been the biggest contributor to forest loss in India. Rapidly growing deforestation can lead to India’s forests being a carbon sink. The forests provide a livelihood to nearly 250 million people[18]. Creating a sustainable solution to this issue using space technology can help reduce the increasing forest loss. 

The government also uses the GAGAN dongle for forest surveys. Active forest fire data from TERRA and AQUA MODIS is provided by the Indian Forest Fire Response System (INFFRAS). ISRO, under the Geosphere-Biosphere programme is operating a network of aerosol observations. The Indian Forest Cover Change Alert System (InFCCAS) uses remote-sensing-based technology to alert about the decline in forest coverage loss over 2 hectares [19]. A geospatial inventory is managed by ISRO, covering satellite images of all Islands. Natural Resource mapping is done regularly by ISRO to create GIS database. Deforestation and human settlement is one of the major challenges of the rising population. Illegal poaching and trafficking of protected wildlife can be limited using GNSS. 

SDG Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

Global partnerships between the countries, Government, private players, and the people can create a sustainable environment. Increasing Investment in sustainable methods twill help reach the developmental goals. Satellite data can be shared between countries to maximize the benefits. Partnerships between ISRO and NASA have led to research and development in the countries. NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) is a joint project between NASA and India maps the changes in glaciers, ice sheets and the environment. International cooperation between ISRO and NASA has led to the successful completion of missions such as Chandrayan-1. SARAL for Ocean studies is a joint mission of ISRO with France. Under the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, a Centre for Space and technology education for Asia and the Pacific (CSSTE-AP) has been set up in India. Such co-operations will lead to the free movement of information, science, innovation and technology for the sustainable development of the nation. 

SDG 5 and 10 aim at creating Gender Equality and reduction of inequality in society. This goal can be achieved through enhanced participation of females in the Space economy. Mission Mangalyaan was one such mission that highlighted the achievements of women scientists as ISRO. However, only 20% of world workforce in space is women[20]. In order to achieve inclusive growth, education, health and sanitation will have indirect benefits for females in society and provide them the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. SDG 16 requires nations to work for peace, justice and institutions. UNOOSA works at maintaining, planning and implementing Space policy for the smooth functioning of outer space. National Security concerns can be dealt at the UNOOSA works to promote international cooperation and helps countries understand Space laws. Space debris and National security concerns are dealt with at UNOOSA. 

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22. SkyrootAerospace