Demand Assessment of RS and GI in India-Opportunities for Industry Services

There is a new scenario developing with the advances in the Earth Observation, Positioning and Geographical Information (GI) domain – as observed in different parts of the world and even in India. On the one hand, the power of ¨EO and GI” is changing the way governance, commerce, resource management, environmental protection, aviation, security and even a citizen’s life is impacted - either in a direct or indirect manner. On the other hand, the images of the earth are now being collected from variety of easily-operable platforms – satellites, aircrafts and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) or Drones owned by both government and private actors. Till the mid-2000s almost all of EO and GI data holdings were mainly in government domain in India – but now large number of private-sector EO and of GI data holdings are a reality. MapMyIndia, Google and many EO and GI solution enterprises have emerged as solution-providers, offering value-addition to EO images and developing down-stream GIS applications. This shift of a government- and private-ownership of EO and GI applications; the availability of the high resolution EO images (presently 0.3m from satellites and even 0.1m from UAV platforms) in the commercial domain; high-level Positioning services across the globe and easy fusion of geo-tagged GIS data is bringing in a new paradigm. Even while Indian EO data are “subsidised” and costs are low, there are demands and preferences for commercial EO data whose costs are high but offer better capability. Another change is the progressive blurring of divide among the “free access” societal EO and GI requirements for supporting developmental activities; the “commercial access” of EO and GI for enterprise and business applications and the “restricted” security requirements for human security and intelligence applications. Seamless fusion and integration is becoming easy on hand-held devices - interoperability, integrity, reliability and better positioning and location accuracies are driving EO and GI into every citizen’s hands and also bringing greater efficiency in governance, society, commerce and improved public and private decision making – thereby boosting demand. There are also important policy issues emerging such as protection of privacy at various levels down to an individual citizen; and easy access rights to EO and GI data held by the government. National security considerations will still be important – even as use of EO/GI information could be thwarted by improperly devised and highly restrictive policies. This paper will discuss several of these current demand related, technological and policy issues in India – specifically their impact on the EO and GI commercial opportunities

“Newspace” Emerging Perspectives For EO And GI Policy

There is a new scenario developing with the advances in the Earth Observation, Positioning and Geographical Information (GI) domain. While on one hand, the power of ¨EO and GI” is changing the way governance, commerce, resource management, environmental protection, aviation, security and even a citizen’s life is impacted - either in a direct or indirect manner, images of the earth are now being collected from variety of easily-operable government- and private-platforms – satellites, aircrafts and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) or Drones (say, from DigitalGlobe, SPOT, IRS, Landsat, RapidEye and more recently Skybox and PlanetLabs and ultra-high resolution imaging from Aerial Survey companies, Drone Imaging companies etc). Till the mid- 2000s almost all of EO and GI data holdings were mainly in government domain – but now large number of private-sector EO and of GI data holdings - like Google, ESRI, Microsoft, Positioning services, EO and GI enterprises in various nations etc have emerged as commercial enterprises and offer value-addition to EO images and development of down-stream GIS applications. In a way, private sector has over-taken in volumes of EO and GI data holdings across the globe and are bringing extensive proliferation of EOs and GI. What are the policy and legal framework that will become relevant in this “NewSpace” domain and that too with the easy integration of these 3 technologies – EO, GI and Positioning? No doubt, this scenario will pose newer continuing challenges in the newer market driven developments and will have to be driven by more cooperative and sharing across nations and communities. This shift of a government- and private-ownership of EO and GI; the availability of the high resolution EO images (presently 0.3m from satellites and even 0.1m from UAV platforms) in the commercial domain; highlevel Positioning services across the globe and easy fusion of geo-tagged GIS data is bringing in a new paradigm. One change it will trigger is that the divide between the “free access” societal EO and GI requirements for supporting developmental activities; “commercial access” of EO and GI for enterprise and business applications and the “restricted” security requirements for human security and intelligence applications are getting blurred. Seamless fusion and integration will be easy on a hand-held device - interoperability, integrity, reliability and better positioning and location accuracies will drive EO and GI into citizen’s hands and also greater efficiency in governance, society, commerce and improved public and private decision making. Private ownership of EO and GI data, alongwith public ownership data thru government missions, will require addressing many challenges - protection of privacy (nation’s, society, enterprises and citizen’s); easy access rights to EO and GI data held by governments, private enterprise; EO and GI information liability; copyright and IP etc will have to be clearly defined in the context of EO and GI data. National security considerations will still be important – even as use of EO/GI information could be thwarted by improperly devised and highly restrictive policies. This paper will discuss several policy and legal issues in these areas – specifically in the context of EO and GI technology management, EO and GI data, EO and GI applications etc and brings to fore the need for an international consensus on the future “NewSpace” policy regimes

India’s Space Industry eco-system – Challenges of innovations and incentives

India’s investments in space activities were mainly driven by the public policy and there had been steadily growing support for space technology developments and applications through investments by the government. Its space activities encompass diverse branches of space endeavours including space launches to applications to interplanetary scientific missions. As an integral strategy, the space industry development and promotion was pursued from the very early stages of development of India’s space programme till now mainly to derive support for the public funded programme and also for creating necessary social and economic impacts. India’s space industry role too had undergone an evolutionary process over the past three to four decades and certain epochs could be identified in tandem with the evolutionary phases in India’s space activities and also changes in economic and social environment. The entry of India’s private sector into services which are based on space systems for over a decade was a major turning point that opened both growth and extension of value chain by industry. Although certain policy initiatives for industry roles including in the fields of satellite communications and remote sensing data distribution and applications were taken up more than a decade ago, the dynamic changes in market environment, specific nature as well as new advances in space technologies coupled with the issues regarding the harmony of public and private sector roles require policy responses to invigorate the role of space industry. The opportunities and imperatives of domestic industries to relate to the global industry are also tempered by the policy environment, pointing to the need for periodically assessing gaps in policies and bridging these through a process involving all stake holders. The paper analyses the state of space industry in India, the impacts created by it and their potentials for future, and, in that context identifies diverse policy innovation issues which need to be addressed. The analysis is structured to deal with different segments of value chain and also new areas of infrastructure and applications such as positioning which were hitherto not addressed. The paper also suggests possible improvements in policies and processes for further development and sustenance of India’s space industry. A few cases of technology innovations by industry are indicated to highlight the environmental factors for innovation driven product/service development

Perspectives for a National GI Policy (Including a National GI Policy Draft) (NIAS Report No. R11-2012)

GI (Geographic Inf ormation) ….. …..refers to any information that has a geographical or location context. The GI includes satellite images, aerial images/data, maps – topographic and thematic, ground survey data, positioning data, geo-tagged attributes/tables etc and also the derivatives from their processing – all of which are amenable to visual display, integration and processing and serving as maps/images in the spatial domain. Policy…… is declared objectives that a government seeks to achieve and preserve in national interest …. …… typically a “Statement of Inten

International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities - Perspectives for India

Over the past four years, an International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities, which owes its origin to an initiative by the EU, had been undergoing a process of international consultations. The original draft has seen several modifications to give it greater acceptance among the community of world nations. The most recent draft, ‘Version 16 September 2013’, resulting from the Open-Ended Consultations held in May 2013 in Kiev, Ukraine, represents tremendous progress in building support of the international community but it has yet to gain the complete support of some of the key space players. This Code (http://eeas.europa.eu/nonproliferation- and-disarmament/pdf/space_code_conduct_draft_vers_16_sept_2013_en.pdf - we refer to the paras and boxes in this document) is intended to form a regime of transparency and confidence-building measures, a complement to the normative framework regulating outer space activities. A key characteristic of the code, which is also central to the backing it enjoys from some of its staunch supporters, is that it is open to subscription by all states but it is not legally binding. Nevertheless, the code is a significant effort to promote the responsible use of space for common benefit, preserving the principle of freedom of access to space by all. While the code aims at enhancing safety, security, and sustainability of Outer Space activities, the question remains as to whether it will be an adequate step for ensuring these in totality

In Emerging EO Newspace Global Markets - Challenges for Indian Remote Sensing Systems

Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites have been providing various types of IRS images ̶ wide-field and high repeat multi-spectral images; moderate resolution multi-spectral data; high resolution panchromatic and multi-spectral image products; panchromatic stereo images; Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data; ocean colour images, scatterometer data and many others. The data are received at Indian station and also at polar receiving stations ̶ data is processed and disseminated from the processing centre at Hyderabad. Within India, IRS images are priced low and are widely used; across the world the use of IRS images are through cooperative arrangements. The average turn-around for moderate- or high-resolution images is 7-10 days. A Remote Sensing Data Policy (RSDP) defines the scheme for IRS data dissemination to users in India. Globally EO business in NewSpace era have not only been commercial but have gone e-image portals ̶ bringing high efficiency using advanced image processing and internet technologies. Spurred by US DigitalGlobe and WorldView, French SPOT, European Sentinel, other commercial systems like Rapideye, Planet etc, global EO is now focussed on high-demand geospatial markets and providing high resolution panchromatic/multi-spectral images with very high cadence/frequency of global coverage AND real-time image availability. The trend is for IMAGES ANYTIME ANYWHERE with real-time geo-rectification, seaming, organising and making available images as they stream or within 24-48 hours of image acquisition. Google offers online Landsat image archive from 1980 onwards for immediate access. These global developments in EO imaging and dissemination can be “disrupting to IRS" even as Indian EO is making significant shifts by continued space segment deployments strengthening of ground segment and online Bhuvan geoportal - all for “easier access" by users. The characters of NewSpace EO developments have not been fully addressed in the IRS environment and fragmented nature of value generation is becoming glaringly apparent. In a highly subsidised environment and lack of competitive business models, IRS could easily slip-down to an “average national endeavour" and loose impact in the global NewSpace environment. We assess markets of traditionally strong national programmes - like IRS that will need re-definition to be able to compete and be relevant in the NewSpace era. The paper assesses the evolutionary trends and market opportunities for IRS, maintaining “leadership" in EO, need for win-win relation between government and Indian industry, deregulation of IRS data access for energising industry and even licensing private Indian EO systems. This paper presents a strategic analysis of NewSpace implications for IRS

The Decision for Indian Human Spaceflight Programme-Political Perspectives, National Relevance and Technological Challenges

In recent times, debate is intense for an Indian Human Space flight programme. An assessment of the challenges in the development of a human space flight transport system has been studied by India - centring on development of indigenous launch capability for a two-member crew to low earth orbit and return safely to pre-determined destination on earth. However, India has yet to take a decision for a human space flight programme. At National Institute for Advanced Studies (NIAS), we have looked into the decision-process that could lead to the crucial decision. We feel that establishing a political perspective for commitment, building a national consensus and also addressing the technological challenges are important steps. Our paper addresses these in a holistic manner: • a critical factor of engagements at political level to obtain commitment for long term implications - of almost 20-30 years, needs to be initiated. The democratic, multi-party framework of India - which has to deal with aspirations of Indian society will also have to decide on the long-term development of Indian human space flight programme. It will be a critical exercise to build the political perspectives. • consider the financial implications of a long-term human space-flight programme development - not just the one-time investments required for demonstrating national capability BUT also for continued human space flight pursuit with national gain. The assessment of returns and benefits has to be clearly articulated. • key technological challenges - crew module design, environmental control and life support system, mission management with human in-loop, crew escape system, launch facilities, astronaut training etc. We also feel that strategic options are important - in terms of indigenous technology development cycles, technology acquisition, collaborative synergies at international level or even alignment/competing with growing global private initiatives in human space-flight programme. The papers outlines the above and identifies some key parameters that would determine decision and goals for India to pursue human space flight - including, attraction for long term commitments and deepening investments at the cost of competing priorities, articulation of economic outcomes, apportionment of benefits across diverse political interests and time-frames, various risk dimensions and ascertainment of public perceptions, impact on social objectives, international cooperation and positioning, achieving high technological excellence in multiple sectors. The paper finally would outline the path that still needs to be pursued for the national decision

Future Indian (New)Space – Contours of a National Space Policy That Positions A New Public-Private Regime

Indian space activities have made tremendous progress in the past 50 years with successful programmes of Indian communication satellites in INSAT; Indian EO satellites in IRS and Indian launch vehicles in the PSLV and GSLV. India has also had a mission to Moon - Chandrayaan-1; a mission on-way to Mars and the IRNSS. Successful foray into global markets have also been achieved. In the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017), India is planning for 58 missions with an investment of almost 6 B USD (at 2013 rates). Today, Indian Space Programme is at a cusp with the need for a LONG TERM STRATEGY FOR SPACE – basically creating a roadmap that will look 30-50 years ahead and address several key questions in the public domain. Indian space needs to orient for a quantum jump in technological growth, adopt organisational models and collaborative strategies that will ensure economic efficiency and position a vibrant private sector. Important questions are being raised on the public and national consequences for Indian human space-flight and planetary exploration programme; how India must quest for a larger share and role in global space market; strategies to deal with changing political and economic environments and focused imperatives of international cooperation. Based on the in-depth analysis the evolving eco-system, unique performance dimensions, achievements and critical gaps of the past 40 years, along with a careful analysis of the existing policies – SATCOM-1999 policy and RSDP -2000/2011, the future contours of next 10-20 years of Indian Space activities have been studied. Looking ahead, a comprehensive “Indian Space Policy” which addresses the long-term strategy of Indian space – public goal of space as a national capability building; a national commitment to provide operational space service in the country; a good regulatory regime that promotes the Indian Space enterprise; enabling a vibrant and equitable eco-system of government-private sector partnership; systems to undertake advanced technology development; public and national commitment for human space-flight and planetary exploration mission investments; performance and social audits of space exploration activities etc. The paper, resulting from 2 papers that NIAS prepared as part of its Policy Research studies and presented in International Astronautical Congress, discuses salient aspects of the newer policy regime (in a way – (new)Space for India) and outlines key highlights and strong arguments for a 2-pronged strategy for future – one, for growth of innovation and advanced space technologies through public investments that will spur riskbased future technologies and applications development AND second, carving a clearly larger role for Indian private sector that takes over operational space assets manufacturing/ownership/services and downstream application services – apart from becoming a “space-hub” for global space manufacturing

Future Indian Space-Perspectives of Game Changers, (IAC-16.E3.3.12)

In the past 50 years, Indian Space has seen many successful milestones – demonstrating excelling Indian technology and widespread utilization of space services in different areas of national economy. Present capabilities and capacities of Indian Space are mainly in the unitary capabilities of the national space agency – this has enabled the nation to significantly achieve about 10-12 high-quality missions every year. Meeting future domestic needs AND benefitting by access to large global market of space will require a quantum jump in capabilities and capacities to be served. Another important development is the aspirational growth of Indian economy and the people. With a GDP growth hover around 7-8% and a few trillion dollar economy, the nation has launched important developmental initiatives - Digital India, Make in India, Smart City, Swach Bharat, National Education Mission and National Skill Mission programmes. Thus, demands for diverse applications of space technology are inevitable – integrating across geographical, sectoral and temporal domains of the country. In an earlier suo-moto study, we have outlined the future 10-20 years of policy perspectives for Indian Space development and also outlined the perspectives of how a National Space Eco-system would emerge – evolving from the present national space agency into a “public-private-academia triad”. Looking ahead of such a national eco-system, we now visualize critical developments that will bring impacting and paradigm shifts to holistic Indian Space through the “triad” – Game Changers. With about 100-150 possible missions in coming 10-20 years – encompassing EO, satellite communications, positioning, space science, planetary missions, operational and advanced launch access missions and the initiation of a human space flight programme, the “critical shifts” would be not just technological advancements but organizational re-structuring from emerging newer organizational arrangements, industrialization and emergence of private space industry, deeper penetration of space services in Indian society, increasing global presence of Indian players and a vibrant cooperative and collaboration at international level. What will drive these game-changers? Cost efficiency will be one key driver - amply demonstrated in many sectors for global markets, this will impact global space markets and bring a “levelling effect” across global markets. Indian skills and human resources will be another driver – with Indian scientists, engineers and managers playing a major role in national and global space. Third will be “Indian innovation” – ability to improvise and innovate with simple, low-cost BUT effective solutions. These 3 drivers will bring a new economic model that balances systems, costs and performance. The paper provides a perspective of future Indian Space and outlines “game changers” impacts that will emerge for space activities in India. The paper also discusses how, in an integrated manner, Indian Space can and should reach greater heights by key policy, strategy and actions for the coming few decades