Into the 21st Century With Industrial Partners: The Indian Experience and Perspectives in Earth Observation

Abstract

Space programmes worldwide are poised for a transformation into a mature scientific as well as an industrial sector, with multiple players and changing roles. Earth observation, which began as a small scale activity aimed at mapping the Earth’s surface features, is becoming a commercial activity, comprising of satellites and their operational utilisation for a variety of resource management applications, apart from systems for data acquisition, dissemination, processing and information generation. the increased thrust on commercialisation and industrial investment is leading to a scenario where the developments are being increasingly determined by market forces. a stagnation or even decrease in the governmental assistance is expected the world over, making it necessary to have private investments as a major source for financing applications and commercially driven activities. On the other hand, the increased awareness about the potential and prospects as well as the reduction in governmental controls is paving the way for multiple players, including private agencies operating satellite systems for Earth observation. Industries who used to be involved primarily in the execution of specific tasks which were more of contractual nature, playing a supportive role, have to become a user, a beneficiary and multiplier in the commercial arena. These changes are expected to accelerate in the coming years, where ‘economics’ is the buzzword and the dualism between strategic cooperation and competition is becoming the order of the day. In other words, the evolution of a new set of relationships between space agencies and industries has already begun, leading to a vibrant commercial market.