Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) Introduces Strict Re-entry Safety Norms for Private Space Firms

Key facts

• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued new norms for planned re-entry of space objects on July 23.
• The norms mandate that any object intentionally brought back to Earth must have no more than a 1-in-10,000 probability of causing a human casualty.
• Private companies will bear full liability for any damage caused by re-entering space objects anywhere in the world.
• Operators are strongly encouraged to obtain third-party liability insurance before undertaking re-entry missions.
• The rules apply to re-entry capsules, cargo return vehicles, experimental payload return missions, and future crewed spacecraft.
• Satellites that naturally burn up in the atmosphere do not require separate re-entry authorisation if their disposal plans are already declared.
• Foreign space companies must apply for authorisation through an Indian-incorporated entity.
• Operators must issue Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) and maritime warnings around 45 days before the scheduled re-entry.