Space security in india

Abstract

In November 2013 India will be celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of its space program. Starting from the launch of a Nike-Apache sounding rocket on 21 November 1963, the space program has progressed at a steady pace and today has evolved intoa self-reliant system of application satellites and launch vehicles to place them in the required orbit. Limited commercial exploitation of space products and services is taking place. Diversification from purely application satellites to scientificmissions and deep space missions are being pursued and more are on the anvil. In the long run manned missions and development ofreusable launch vehicles are planned.Being dual use technology, these applications are of use to the defense and security forcesalso. India does not contemplate weaponization of space. To supportthe space missions, the ground infrastructure in terms of manufacturing and process facilities, launch center, tracking, telemetry and command network, ground stations and industrial supporthave been established. The investment in space has been substantial and together with the operational space services and commercial outputare worth a few tens of billions of dollars. Security of these space assets and space services is very important to India. India would like space essentially to be an enduring and sustaining system to be used for the socioeconomic well-being and security of its citizens.