Abstract

The forthcoming Indian Space Activities Bill, which addresses the regulatory and structural shortcomings of the Draft Space Activities Bill, 2017, will mark a gradual and significant transition of the Indian space administration to a more international, coherent and future-oriented focus, aligning with Indian economic ambitions. By replacing the obsolete 2017 draft, emphasis will be laid on a more focused and strategic road to India's ambition to scale its space economy of 44 billion dollars by the year 2033. This research article will focus on the major guidelines and policies maintained by the Department of Space (DOS). As per the Government of India, DOS has the major responsibility for space activities in India. In this research paper, India's aspiration for a pivotal central law will be analysed, governing the aeronautic sector to minor satellite policies, guidelines, and executive framework, which function as a de facto "minor space law". There will also be a scrutiny of the legal gaps concerning space object registration and commercial launches, whether the government can put more to this forthcoming bill to include Indian companies to make commercial launches or use an aeronautical platform to address customers with a wider range of products, This paper examines the Bill's core provisions, its alignment with international norms, and its potential to unlock a robust legal architecture for India’s burgeoning space industry. The main rationale of this paper is to scrutinise the provisions of the bill, analyse its legislative intent, evaluate its consistency with other contemporary international space law obligations, and offer practical solutions for strengthening India’s administrative space regime.

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