Outer space is also emerging as the fourth arena of warfare. Hostile state and non-state actors can damage Indian space assets. Let ASAT test provide the trigger for a robust and sustainable space security policy in the country

by Arvind Gupta 

The successful anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test on March 27 was truly a moment of pride for every Indian. This is the right moment for India to think of space security in a comprehensive way. India has nearly 90 satellites providing a variety of services for national development. However, these satellites are vulnerable – high-power lasers and jammers can make satellites dysfunctional. Even the floating debris in space can cause severe harm to their capabilities. The security and safety of these assets are therefore paramount for the country.

Outer space is also emerging as the fourth arena of warfare. Hostile state and non-state actors can damage Indian space assets. ASAT capability has created some deterrence against potential attackers.

Space-based weapons, thanks to their global reach and lethality, are considered to be destabilising. The existing international space law regime prohibits the placement of weapons of mass destruction in outer space but is silent on the deployment of conventional weapons. There has been a general understanding that outer space should not be weaponised and an arms race in regards to space should be prevented, but there are no legally binding conventions for the same. Efforts at the Conference on Disarmament (CD) to discuss a treaty to prevent an arms race in space have been languishing for decades. The efforts for working out a code of conduct in outer space, transparency and confidence-building measures have also not succeeded.

Having conducted an ASAT test, India now has the opportunity to put in place a holistic space security policy to safeguard its space-based assets and to help counter other threats.

Presently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducts a highly successful civilian space programme for the country. The (Defence Research and Development Organisation) DRDO has been involved in ballistic missile defence programme, whose offshoot was the ASAT test. Clearly, the roles of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and DRDO need to be delineated properly so that there is no confusion about who is in charge of the space security program.

A comprehensive space security policy would have several components. Foremost, an apex policy-making body will be required to take a holistic and comprehensive view of space security. This would be a multi-stakeholder body, which can be chaired by the national security adviser. This body will need to be supported by an executive agency, which would have representatives of all stakeholders including the military, ministries of external affairs and defence, ISRO and DRDO.

The military should create a triservice space command, which will have the responsibility of ensuring that India is not vulnerable to space warfare. Many countries have created space commands.

India will need to focus on developing strategic, dual-use space technologies, which are not easy to get. The participation of the private sector in the development of such technologies would be advisable. To promote innovation, an institute for the development of space technologies can be created. Space security goes beyond the development of hard-core technologies. Commercial application of space technologies is important too. A legal framework would need to be created to encourage commercialisation of space technologies paying special attention to issues such as space commerce, space-based commerce and use of electromagnetic spectrum.

Diplomacy is an indispensable part of space security policy. Preventing arms race and weaponisation of space is in India’s interest. India would need to play an active role in shaping rules, confidence-building measures and transparency in the use of outer space for peaceful purposes. Having demonstrated ASAT capability, India is now better placed to shape the international rule-making processes.

Let ASAT test provide the trigger for a robust and sustainable space security policy in the country.

Arvind Gupta was former deputy NSA