INDIA’S NEW SPACE-OBJECT RE-ENTRY RULES

INDIA’S NEW SPACE-OBJECT RE-ENTRY RULES — SAFETY, LIABILITY AND GLOBAL SPACE SUSTAINABILITY

1. Context

• In July 2026, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued detailed rules governing the planned re-entry of space objects into Earth’s atmosphere.
• The framework implements the Indian Space Policy, 2023, which already requires authorisation for planned re-entry of spacecraft, satellites and launch-vehicle stages.
• The rules have become important because satellite numbers, private launches and end-of-life disposal operations are increasing rapidly.

2. What is Planned Re-entry?

• Planned re-entry means the intentional and controlled return of a space object to Earth, with its trajectory, timing and likely impact area assessed in advance.
• It is different from ordinary uncontrolled orbital decay, where an object naturally descends and may burn up in the atmosphere.
• Objects designed to survive re-entry, be recovered, or reach a predetermined area require greater regulatory scrutiny because surviving fragments can endanger people, aircraft and ships.

3. Who Requires Authorisation?

• Any Indian entity undertaking a planned re-entry, whether over Indian territory or elsewhere, requires IN-SPACe approval.
• A foreign operator planning re-entry within Indian territory must apply through an Indian-incorporated entity, such as a subsidiary, joint venture or authorised partner.
• This creates an identifiable entity under Indian law that can be held responsible for compliance and liability.

4. Safety and Casualty-Risk Standard

• Operators must undertake detailed re-entry and survivability analysis before receiving permission.
• The new rules require the expected human casualty risk to remain below 1 in 10,000 for planned re-entry operations.
• Assessments must examine trajectory, fragmentation, surviving components, impact zones and hazardous systems such as batteries or pressure vessels.
• IN-SPACe’s existing registration guidelines similarly require ground-casualty assessments and, where feasible, controlled re-entry to safe impact points.

5. Advance Permission and Monitoring

• If re-entry was planned from the beginning of the mission, operators must declare it while seeking mission authorisation.
• IN-SPACe may re-verify updated parameters roughly three months before re-entry.
• If the decision is made only after launch, a fresh application must generally be submitted at least six months in advance.
• Significant changes in trajectory, timing or impact area may require revised approval.

6. Aviation and Maritime Safety

• Space debris can affect air routes, shipping lanes, territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zones.
• Operators therefore