Context:
- India and Russia signed an agreement to deepen cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, reaffirming their shared commitment to non-weaponization of space.
- The agreement builds on decades-old Indo–Russian space collaboration and aligns with emerging global concerns over militarisation of outer space.
Key Highlights:
Areas of Space Cooperation
- Collaboration in human spaceflight, satellite navigation, and planetary exploration.
- Joint development and production of rocket engines, strengthening indigenous launch capabilities.
- Enhanced cooperation in advanced space technologies and long-term scientific missions.
Peaceful Use and Space Security
- Both countries emphasized the need for a legally binding international instrument to:
- Prevent an arms race in outer space
- Prohibit placement of weapons in space-based platforms
- Reinforces the principle of outer space as a global commons.
Strategic and Technological Significance
- Leverages Russia’s expertise in human spaceflight, gained from Soyuz and ISS missions.
- Expected to support and potentially accelerate India’s Gaganyaan Mission.
- Continues technology-sharing traditions dating back to the Soviet era, including satellite launches and cryogenic engine cooperation.
Stakeholders Involved
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Roscosmos (Russia’s space agency)
- Scientific community and strategic policy institutions of both countries
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Growing risks of militarisation and weaponisation of outer space.
- Causes: Advancing space technologies, strategic competition among space-faring nations.
- Government Initiatives (India):
- Gaganyaan Mission
- Indian Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)
- Space Policy 2023
- Benefits:
- Technology upgradation
- Safer and sustainable space environment
- Boost to India’s human spaceflight capabilities
- Challenges:
- Absence of enforceable global space arms control treaties
- Dual-use nature of space technologies
- Impact:
- Strengthened space diplomacy
- Support to peaceful space governance norms
Relevant Mains Points:
Facts and Definitions
- Human Spaceflight: Space missions involving human crew.
- Satellite Navigation: Use of satellite constellations for positioning and timing.
- Arms Race: Competitive buildup of military capabilities among states.
Conceptual and Static Linkages
- Outer space governance under international law
- Relevance of Outer Space Treaty, 1967
- Space as a domain of strategic restraint and cooperation
Keywords
- Peaceful use of outer space, space security, non-weaponization, human spaceflight, rocket engines
Way Forward
- Strengthen global consensus on binding space arms control mechanisms
- Promote confidence-building measures among space-faring nations
- Expand civilian and scientific cooperation while ensuring responsible space behaviour
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS 2: International Relations – Strategic partnerships, global commons governance
- GS 3: Science & Technology – Space technology, human spaceflight, innovation