Published on 08 Feb 2025
From the 20th century there has been competition among major powers to be labelled as a major space power. The growth of space as a new arena for war has led to discussions surrounding developing a dedicated space force to protect national security in the space domain.
Significance of dedicated space force
Protection of space assets: Proper functioning of space assets is crucial for unhindered navigation, communication and surveillance, which gets facilitated by a space force.
Example: Mission Shakti was an Anti-Satellite test by India aimed at protecting India’s space assets.
Enhance national security: Functioning of many security mechanisms like early warning systems, surveillance systems, etc. can be preserved by a space force.
Example: USA established a space force in 2019 which has been crucial for ensuring their national security.
Deterrence strategy: Showcasing India’s ability to protect space assets and respond effectively to any aggression can bring deterrence and stability.
Example: Space based deterrence can be employed for India as one of its major adversaries, China, is already a major space power.
Global image: A space force would enhance India’s image in the geopolitical arena and aid India in forging better relations with major powers.
Example: Space force could aid India in having better space ventures with similar countries like Russia and USA.
Promotes innovation: Space force could trigger more technological innovation by fostering R&D in space related fields.
Challenges Associated
Technological expertise: Maintaining a space force requires very efficient space-based communication and anti-satellite capacity. Though India has good space-based technology, improvements must be made to make functioning efficient.
Example: India conducted an anti-satellite test only in 2019, so the nation has a long way to go in this domain.
Budgetary constraints: Maintaining a space force requires significant financial outlay which compels the nation to compromise on some other social goals.
Example: India's space budget is around $2 billion but for NASA it's $22 billion, showing the lack of finance.
Organizational structure: Integrating space agencies and the military into a unified force creates confusion on roles, responsibilities and command structures.
Diplomatic consideration: Assurance must be made that the force aligns with the international space law and does not lead to a security dilemma.
Example: India being signatory to the Outer Space Treaty, 1967 should abide by the peace-making clauses even while possessing a space force.
Operational readiness: The space force must be prepared to respond rapidly to emerging threats and security situations.
Ethical concerns: Raising such a force may spark ethical debates and attract international scrutiny.
Example: India’s testing of nuclear weapons raised ethical question and international criticism
Way forward
Hence considering the capability of the space force to protect strategic assets and its role in ensuring national security, such a unit is worth considering. However strict civilian control must be ensured to restrict its practices for peaceful purposes. Such progress can only be made gradually by progressively improving the space technology to make their functioning efficient.
Security
Dedicated space force
National security architecture
Mission shakti
General Studies Paper 3
Internal Security