India issues new guidelines for private space firms, sets 1-in-10,000 casualty rate

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) in its new guidelines has stated that private space companies must limit the casualty risk of any planned space object re-entry to less than 1 in 10,000.

IN-SPACe, the single-window agency for all space-sector activities undertaken by private entities, has also mandated that any Indian entity planning the re-entry of a space object, whether within or outside Indian territory, needs its authorisation.

The new guidelines, 'Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for Implementation of Indian Space Policy-2023 in respect of Authorisation for Undertaking Planned Re-entry of Space Objects', were issued on July 23 and made public on Wednesday.

"Non-Indian entities intending to undertake 'Planned Re-entry' of their Space Object within Indian territory shall seek IN-SPACe authorisation only through Indian incorporated entities," said the new guidelines.

It stated that companies must carry out re-entry activities at their own risk and peril and must not expose the Indian government to any liability.

Therefore, companies should obtain adequate insurance, including mandatory third-party liability insurance, to cover all such risks and eventualities if IN-SPACe prescribes or requires it at the time of authorisation.

It also stated that companies must specifically declare their intention to re-enter their space object when seeking authorisation, if a re-entry is planned.

It stated that if a company decides to conduct a re-entry after the launch without prior flagging, it must apply for authorisation six months before the manoeuvre.

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