What’s the news?

• Chandrayaan 3’s landing on August 23 is a significant development in India’s space exploration efforts. This event prompts reflection on recent developments in outer space activities and their implications for peaceful purposes.

Central idea

• The year 2023 has seen India make significant strides in the realm of outer space activities. From becoming a signatory to the US Artemis Accords, which focus on the responsible use of outer space, to deepening engagements with the United States through initiatives like the US-India Civil Space and Commercial Space Working Groups, India has emerged as a key player in the global space arena.

Evolution of Outer Space Governance

• Historical Initiatives: The journey of outer space governance began with the historic launch of Sputnik in 1957. This event spurred the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolutions 1721 A and B in 1961. These resolutions marked the early acknowledgment of the need for international collaboration in space exploration.
• Consolidation of Principles: Over the years, space-faring nations consistently upheld the principles enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. These principles have gradually evolved into customary international laws. This evolution signifies the transformation of outer space into an inclusive and democratized domain.
• Widespread Participation: Presently, outer space is accessible to more than 80 countries, each deriving various advantages from space-based satellite services. This widespread participation reflects the successful international cooperation that has expanded access to space resources.

Outer Space as a Global Common

• The concept of a global common traditionally applies to areas beyond the sovereignty of any single nation, inspired by ideas like Grotius’s Mare Liberum (free sea).
• In the United Nations framework, outer space is recognized as one of the global commons alongside the high seas, the atmosphere, and Antarctica.

Two Perspectives on Global Commons

• Enabling Perspective:

• From a geopolitical and military standpoint, considering outer space as a global common facilitates international cooperation and security.
• Nations worldwide recognize that areas beyond their jurisdiction, such as outer space, are vital for maintaining international order and regional security.
• Rejecting the idea of outer space as a global common could undermine the freedom of navigation, a fundamental principle upheld by initiatives like the QUAD.

• Constraining Perspective:

• Alternatively, viewing outer space as a global common can limit the economic and commercial exploitation of its resources.
• It implies shared ownership, public governance, and restrictions on usage, aligning with the concept of the common heritage of mankind concept as expressed in the Moon Agreement of 1979.
• This concept extends beyond outer space, applying to the high seas and deep-sea beds, emphasizing the need for responsible resource management.

Challenges and Complexity in Outer Space Governance

• Commercial Planetary Resource Extraction: Private companies and nations are exploring the potential for mining resources from celestial bodies such as the moon and asteroids. This raises complex questions about property rights, resource allocation, and environmental concerns in outer space.
• Resource Management: As commercial interests grow, the management of outer space resources becomes increasingly intricate. Determining how to allocate resources fairly and sustainably while avoiding overuse or exploitation poses a significant challenge. Balancing the interests of different nations and entities in resource-rich areas like the Moon adds to the complexity.
• Environmental Concerns: Space debris and orbital congestion pose environmental risks to space activities. With an increasing number of satellites and space missions, managing space debris and ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities have become pressing challenges.
• Security and Militarization: The militarization of outer space and concerns about security in space have grown. Nations are developing space-based capabilities for defense and surveillance, raising questions about the potential weaponization of space and the need for arms control measures.
• International Collaboration: Ensuring effective international collaboration in space governance can be challenging due to differing national interests, technological disparities, and political tensions.
• Technological Advancements: Rapid technological advancements in space exploration, including the development of reusable rockets and miniaturized satellites, change the landscape of space activities. Keeping regulatory frameworks up-to-date with these advancements is a constant challenge.

India’s Crucial Role in Space Resource Management

• Involvement in International Agreements: India is both a signatory to the Moon Agreement of 1979 and the Artemis Accords. This dual commitment places India in a unique position to influence and contribute to the development of international frameworks for space governance.
• Complex Decision-Making: The complexity arises from the fact that while India has signed the Artemis Accords, it has not yet ratified the Moon Agreement. This highlights India’s need to carefully evaluate its stance on these agreements and the implications for its future space activities and resource management.
• Global Impact: India’s decisions and actions in the realm of space resource management have global implications. As one of the major space-faring nations, India’s approach will significantly influence the international framework for managing space resources, including lunar and celestial bodies.
• International Cooperation: India’s robust international cooperation in space programs, including multilateral and bilateral engagements, positions it as a key collaborator with advanced space powers and emerging space nations.
• Balancing Competing Objectives: India’s role is vital in striking a balance between competing objectives in the use of outer space for peaceful purposes. This involves ensuring responsible resource utilization, promoting equitable access, and upholding international law and principles.

Conclusion

• India’s growing prominence in the field of outer space activities requires a thoughtful approach to its role in shaping the future of space resource management. Balancing competing objectives, promoting peaceful use of outer space, and contributing to the development of an international framework are essential steps to ensure the responsible and equitable exploration and utilization of space resources for the benefit of all humankind.

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