India Sets New Safety Standards for Space Object Re-Entry Procedures

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has recently unveiled new regulations governing the re-entry of space objects into Earth's atmosphere, emphasizing safety and risk management. These guidelines, issued on July 23, are part of the broader 'Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for Implementation of Indian Space Policy-2023 in Respect of Authorization for Undertaking Planned Re-entry of Space Objects.' The primary focus of these regulations is to ensure that the risk to individuals from re-entering space objects remains at a maximum of one in ten thousand, a threshold designed to protect public safety as the private space sector in India continues to grow.

Under the new rules, any Indian organization intending to return a space object to the atmosphere must obtain prior approval from IN-SPACe. This requirement extends to foreign entities as well, which must operate through their Indian subsidiaries if they wish to conduct planned re-entries. The guidelines clarify that re-entry can occur in either a controlled or uncontrolled manner, with or without recovery of the object. However, only those objects specifically designed for re-entry or those that are intentionally brought back will require authorization. Objects that re-enter the atmosphere due to natural orbital decay will not need separate approval, thus streamlining the process for many operators.