India's Hosted Payloads Guidelines

Introduction to Hosted Payloads in India

India's space regulator, IN-SPACe, has issued new guidelines for hosted payloads on Indian and foreign satellites, marking a significant development in the country's space policy. The framework recognizes a 'Satellite as a Service' (SaaS) model, allowing Indian entities to offer satellite capacity to Indian or overseas customers.

The guidelines, dated September 17, 2023, under the Indian Space Policy-2023, cover instruments, transponders, and other systems owned by one entity but housed in another's satellite bus or on a launch vehicle's orbital stage, such as the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM).

Background and Timeline

The Indian Space Policy-2023 aims to promote the growth of the space sector in India, and the hosted payloads guidelines are a key part of this effort. The policy recognizes the importance of hosted payloads in enabling a wide range of space-based applications, including remote sensing, communications, science, meteorology, navigation, technology demonstrations, in-orbit experiments, and space situational awareness.

The guidelines have been in development for several months, with input from various stakeholders, including the space industry, academia, and government agencies. The final guidelines were issued on September 17, 2023, and are expected to come into effect soon.

Classification of Payloads

The guidelines classify payloads into three categories: Indian-owned payloads on non-Indian satellites, Indian or non-Indian payloads on Indian satellites, and payloads on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) or similar platforms.

Uses of hosted payloads include remote sensing, communications, science, meteorology, navigation, technology demonstrations, in-orbit experiments, and space situational awareness. The guidelines also recognize the potential for hosted payloads to support a wide range of applications, including earth observation, telecommunications, and space exploration.

Authorisation Requirements

Indian entities placing payloads on Indian or foreign satellites need mandatory IN-SPACe authorisation, which ends with the host agreement or the host satellite's operational life, whichever is earlier.

For Indian payloads on foreign satellites, the owner retains absolute decision-making powers over operations, and the foreign host bears all liability risks and must indemnify the owner and the Government of India.

Foreign Payloads on Indian Satellites

Foreign payloads on Indian satellites are treated differently. The owner need not separately seek IN-SPACe authorisation, but the Indian host must disclose the payload while applying for authorisation of the host satellite and submit its agreement with the owner.

The foreign owner must hold approvals from its own administration and indemnify the host and the government for third-party claims.

Control and Liability

The host retains control of the satellite and must be able to switch off the hosted payload or cease its emissions if directed by IN-SPACe or the government for reasons including national security, radio-frequency interference, or other critical concerns.

The host must prevent unauthorised access to a payload by itself or other hosted payloads.

Data Capture and Dissemination

For foreign payloads capturing data over Indian territory, IN-SPACe authorisation will be required, to be sought by the Indian host.

Hosts must maintain records of such data for at least six months and provide the information to IN-SPACe when sought.

Dissemination of such data must comply with the applicable data-dissemination guidelines, and IN-SPACe can direct the host to switch off the payload if those rules are violated.

Regulation of Hosted-Payload Operations

The framework allows IN-SPACe, in consultation with other departments or ministries, to regulate hosted-payload operations for reasons involving national security, geopolitical considerations, or harmful interference with other satellite networks.

• Applications require disclosures covering ownership and control, foreign investment, financial credentials, security clearances, payload specifications, ITU filings, and operational arrangements.
• A safety report on any hazardous or radioactive material is also required.
• Host-owner agreements must specify how the payload and host will be operated and controlled.

Implications for Readers in India

The hosted payloads guidelines have significant implications for readers in India, particularly those involved in the space industry or interested in space-based applications. The guidelines provide a framework for the development and operation of hosted payloads, and are expected to promote the growth of the space sector in India.

Readers can expect to see increased activity in the space sector, with more Indian entities offering satellite capacity to Indian or overseas customers. The guidelines also recognize the potential for hosted payloads to support a wide range of applications, including earth observation, telecommunications, and space exploration.

Expert Perspective

Experts in the space industry have welcomed the hosted payloads guidelines, citing their potential to promote growth and innovation in the sector. The guidelines are expected to provide a boost to the Indian space industry, enabling Indian entities to offer satellite capacity to Indian or overseas customers and supporting a wide range of space-based applications.

What to Watch Next

As the hosted payloads guidelines come into effect, readers can expect to see increased activity in the space sector. Some key areas to watch include:

• The development of new space-based applications, including earth observation, telecommunications, and space exploration.
• The growth of the space industry in India, with more Indian entities offering satellite capacity to Indian or overseas customers.
• The implementation of the hosted payloads guidelines, and any updates or revisions to the framework.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the hosted payloads guidelines issued by IN-SPACe mark a significant development in India's space policy, promoting growth and innovation in the space sector. The guidelines provide a framework for the development and operation of hosted payloads, and are expected to have significant implications for readers in India, particularly those involved in the space industry or interested in space-based applications.