New Delhi: India has introduced a new regulatory framework governing the planned re-entry of space objects into the Earth’s atmosphere, setting stringent safety standards for private space companies and other entities undertaking such missions.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has issued the ‘Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for Implementation of Indian Space Policy-2023 in Respect of Authorisation for Undertaking Planned Re-entry of Space Objects’, outlining the approval process and safety requirements for planned re-entry operations.
Under the new rules, any Indian entity intending to bring a space object back into the Earth’s atmosphere, whether from within India or overseas, must obtain prior authorisation from IN-SPACe. Foreign entities wishing to conduct planned re-entry operations involving India must also seek approval through their India-registered subsidiaries.
The guidelines define re-entry as the return of a space object into the Earth’s atmosphere, whether in a controlled or uncontrolled manner, and regardless of whether the object is recovered after landing.
The framework clarifies that authorisation is required only for space objects intentionally designed to survive re-entry or deliberately brought back to Earth. Objects that naturally re-enter the atmosphere because of orbital decay and are expected to burn up, fragment or disintegrate without posing significant risk will not require separate approval.
A key provision of the guidelines requires operators to ensure that the expected casualty risk from a planned re-entry remains below one in 10,000. The objective is to minimise risks to people, property and the environment across land, sea and air during re-entry operations.
In addition, organisations must obtain a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) at least 45 days before the commencement of a planned re-entry to ensure appropriate coordination with aviation authorities and other stakeholders.
The new regulations come as India continues to expand private sector participation in its space programme, following the recent successful launch of Vikram-1, marking a significant milestone for the country’s growing commercial space industry.
