What constitutes Outer Space?

Outer space refers to the emptiness that exists between objects in space including Earth. Most of outer space is made of plasma. When plasma collects and condenses, it forms stars and galaxies. 

Outer space is the near-vacuum beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. It has no air to scatter the light and so what we observe is a black emptiness spangled with stars and other extraterrestrial matter.

What is Outer Space Treaty?

The Outer Space Treaty stipulates that exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interest of all countries, and it shall be the province of mankind. Parties agree not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction; not to install such weapons on celestial bodies, or station them in outer space in any other manner; the Moon and other celestial bodies are to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes; establishment of military bases, installations and fortifications, the testing of any type of weapons, and the conduct of military maneuvers on celestial bodies shall be forbidden.

The Outer Space Treaty provides the basic framework on international space law, including the following principles:

• The exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries and shall be the province of all mankind.

• Outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all States;

• Outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means;

• States shall not place nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies or station them in outer space in any other manner.

• The Moon and other celestial bodies shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes;

• Astronauts shall be regarded as the envoys of mankind;

• States shall be responsible for national space activities whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities;

•States shall be liable for damage caused by their space objects; and

• States shall avoid harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies.

What are the other UN treaties on peaceful uses of outer space?

• Rescue Agreement: The Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space.

• Liability Convention: The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects.

• Registration Convention: The Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space.

• Moon Treaty: The Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

What is Space Race?

With the advancement of technology and integration of nations through economy, the level of partnership among nations has gained momentum. We witness several bilateral and multilateral forums where cooperation among nations is visible. Earlier scientific endeavors were to show one’s capability but now have added scientific strength-economic strength-political cooperation and future partnership. Earlier space advancement and struggle between USA and USSR were more of political rift. But now it is a multidimensional approach. This space race has paved the way for governance system for space too. Outer Space Treaty is one such approach because Space comes under Global Common.

Recently, Space Debris and Space Junk has gained much attention due to ever increasing crave of nations to send their space satellites and creating a problem of space junk or debris. 

Which steps of China brought it in the space race?

Since the 1980s, China has been in a favourable and competitive astronautic position, gradually building up a range of scientific, commercial and military space capabilities. Over the past decade, China has launched a spacecraft that mapped the Moon (Chang’e 1), conducted a lunar rover mission (Chang’e 2), and orbited and visited a small space station (Tiangong 1), with plans for a much larger station within a decade.

Moreover, the country is currently upgrading its fourth and southernmost space vehicle launch facility (spaceport), located in Wenchang, Hainan, which was formerly a sub-orbital test centre.

No longer an industry in its infancy, China’s young scientific and engineering minds have been steadily expanding the country’s satellite network, including a newly operational BeiDou-1 Navigation Satellite System, which is due to serve global customers upon completion of a second generation of the system in 2020.

By increasing its space budget and investment in military counter-space technologies, with recent tests of offensive systems in 2010, 2013 and 2014, China is gearing up to demonstrate its potential to dominate the future of astronautics. This statement has divided experts, as its future space policies will be dependent on its economic status and evolving relationship with the US.

China has made rapid forays in expanding its influence over many of the third world countries keen on entering the space age. By making available space services—by way of building custom made satellites followed by their in orbit-delivery—China not only stands to expand its business interests but also seeks to strengthen its diplomatic clout. By arranging soft loans and providing knowhow and expertise for building and launching satellites on reasonable terms, China is all set to become a recognized player in the multi- billion dollar global space market. Indeed, this dual offer of technological support and financial assistance on reasonable terms has made China the most sought after “space partner” for the developing countries.

India and other like-minded nations are skeptic about China’s so called soft space diplomacy. Particularly India feels that China is encircling India, now from space.

 China has done its best to support the Sri-Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and other nations in satellite technology. India’s concern is inevitable as India has no hold in space diplomacy even among its neighbors. In today’s diplomatic ties certain leverages or cooperation matters a lot.  When China is doing well to support in scientific development, it is inferred that it will get major future cooperation from those nations and enhance its importance, strategically and economically that can affect several future economical and political engagements of India. In short, China’s String of pearls, Maritime Silk Route and now thread of space satellites to have eye on India. 

Where does India stand?

The current Indian space program is an economically and technologically efficient integrated program, self-reliant and applications driven, preserving critical relations to the user community and committed to the pursuit of scientific excellence in the peaceful use of space for the benefit of the common man. The space program has proven capabilities in producing worldclass satellites and launch vehicles, and applying them in assorted areas pertinent to national development. India is not far from China in terms of technological developments in space technologies. India’s strength in PSLV’s has marked its image at world level. The recent advancement in GSLV and cryogenics and launching of 20 satellites at one go, added high value to the name of India. Further the commercial arm of ISRO, Antrix is collaborating with many foreign stakeholders to further India’s interest.

India’s cooperation with France, Canada, Japan, Germany etc is already at its best in satellite endeavors.