India's Launch into New Space: Leveraging the Constellation of Information Technology, Pharma, and Biotech

Abstract

Over the past several years, a quiet evolution has been unfolding at the "final frontier"as governments around the world take action to implement New Space policies for their respective states and open space to commercial activity led by private capital. Privy to only a few elite groups until recently, access to space for new players is broadening as a result of the passage of new regulations such as the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 by the U.S. government or proposed draft regulations such as the Space Activities Bill by the Indian government. Low Earth orbit space offers a unique vantage point and a persistent microgravity environment that can be leveraged by private companies and researchers to facilitate new discoveries, inventions, and innovative business models. For educators, space can inspire the next generation of humanity via a partnership with entrepreneurs. India has demonstrated leadership in the information technology, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. Here, we provide a brief history of India's presence in space, an overview of its key industries, a perspective on New Space, and India's strategic opportunity in the rapidly growing space ecosystem.