Papers by K R Sridhara Murthi
Asian Journal of Professional Ethics & Management, Sep 30, 2021
Recent Developments in Space Law, 2017
Outer Space activities, which were mainly driven by public sector or government actors in the ini... more Outer Space activities, which were mainly driven by public sector or government actors in the initial decades of their advent, have been increasingly undertaken by private sector in the recent past. The impetus for growth in space activities now is mainly derived from the commercial uses of space, which are diverse in nature. Innovative applications of technologies enable space systems to directly communicate even at individual consumer level—thus vastly multiplying the potential for space applications to the benefit of human society. While future survival of human race itself in the face of several risks of cataclysmic nature to human life on earth depends upon its spreading into Outer Space in the longer term, such a prospect requires giant leaps in technologies, systems and strategies for wider human access and control of Outer Space environment for long-term habitation. The implications of recent disruptive trends in space activities, particularly those brought about by increased private sector roles and increased number of actors in Outer Space, need a review from the perspectives of policy and legal challenges that they pose. There is much attention now to the governance of Outer Space which enjoys a unique international legal regime but was unable to cope with the dynamics of changing environment. This article analyses the policy and legal challenges from three main perspectives of the role of Outer Space as a driver of economy, as an instrument of security and as a means for exploring future destiny of human race by considering multiple dimensions of Outer Space activities involving spacecraft, space transport systems, space operations, investment trends, issues relating to security, space environment and governance.
Asian Journal of Professional Ethics & Management, Sep 30, 2021
56th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronautics, and the International Institute of Space Law, 2005
Recent Developments in Space Law, 2017
Outer Space activities, which were mainly driven by public sector or government actors in the ini... more Outer Space activities, which were mainly driven by public sector or government actors in the initial decades of their advent, have been increasingly undertaken by private sector in the recent past. The impetus for growth in space activities now is mainly derived from the commercial uses of space, which are diverse in nature. Innovative applications of technologies enable space systems to directly communicate even at individual consumer level—thus vastly multiplying the potential for space applications to the benefit of human society. While future survival of human race itself in the face of several risks of cataclysmic nature to human life on earth depends upon its spreading into Outer Space in the longer term, such a prospect requires giant leaps in technologies, systems and strategies for wider human access and control of Outer Space environment for long-term habitation. The implications of recent disruptive trends in space activities, particularly those brought about by increased private sector roles and increased number of actors in Outer Space, need a review from the perspectives of policy and legal challenges that they pose. There is much attention now to the governance of Outer Space which enjoys a unique international legal regime but was unable to cope with the dynamics of changing environment. This article analyses the policy and legal challenges from three main perspectives of the role of Outer Space as a driver of economy, as an instrument of security and as a means for exploring future destiny of human race by considering multiple dimensions of Outer Space activities involving spacecraft, space transport systems, space operations, investment trends, issues relating to security, space environment and governance.
Recent Developments in Space Law, 2017
Outer Space activities, which were mainly driven by public sector or government actors in the ini... more Outer Space activities, which were mainly driven by public sector or government actors in the initial decades of their advent, have been increasingly undertaken by private sector in the recent past. The impetus for growth in space activities now is mainly derived from the commercial uses of space, which are diverse in nature. Innovative applications of technologies enable space systems to directly communicate even at individual consumer level—thus vastly multiplying the potential for space applications to the benefit of human society. While future survival of human race itself in the face of several risks of cataclysmic nature to human life on earth depends upon its spreading into Outer Space in the longer term, such a prospect requires giant leaps in technologies, systems and strategies for wider human access and control of Outer Space environment for long-term habitation. The implications of recent disruptive trends in space activities, particularly those brought about by increased private sector roles and increased number of actors in Outer Space, need a review from the perspectives of policy and legal challenges that they pose. There is much attention now to the governance of Outer Space which enjoys a unique international legal regime but was unable to cope with the dynamics of changing environment. This article analyses the policy and legal challenges from three main perspectives of the role of Outer Space as a driver of economy, as an instrument of security and as a means for exploring future destiny of human race by considering multiple dimensions of Outer Space activities involving spacecraft, space transport systems, space operations, investment trends, issues relating to security, space environment and governance.
Current Science, 2007
Page 1. SPECIAL SECTION: INDIAN SPACE PROGRAMME Organizational systems, commercialization and cos... more Page 1. SPECIAL SECTION: INDIAN SPACE PROGRAMME Organizational systems, commercialization and cost—benefit analysis of Indian space programme KR Sridhara Murthi1'*, U. Sankarz and HN Madhusudhanl IISRO ...
56th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronautics, and the International Institute of Space Law, 2005
Current Science, 2007
Page 1. SPECIAL SECTION: INDIAN SPACE PROGRAMME Organizational systems, commercialization and cos... more Page 1. SPECIAL SECTION: INDIAN SPACE PROGRAMME Organizational systems, commercialization and cost—benefit analysis of Indian space programme KR Sridhara Murthi1'*, U. Sankarz and HN Madhusudhanl IISRO ...
Current Science, 2007
International law in the field of space incorporates some unique features, embodying the principl... more International law in the field of space incorporates some unique features, embodying the principles of freedom of access and use of outer space, as a common resource of all human kind. As the space activities expanded, spreading their impact in various dimensions ...
Current Science, 2007
International law in the field of space incorporates some unique features, embodying the principl... more International law in the field of space incorporates some unique features, embodying the principles of freedom of access and use of outer space, as a common resource of all human kind. As the space activities expanded, spreading their impact in various dimensions ...
Current Science, 2007
International law in the field of space incorporates some unique features, embodying the principl... more International law in the field of space incorporates some unique features, embodying the principles of freedom of access and use of outer space, as a common resource of all human kind. As the space activities expanded, spreading their impact in various dimensions ...
Acta Astronautica, 2008
Strategic thinking and planning have been the hallmarks of Indian space programme, whose objectiv... more Strategic thinking and planning have been the hallmarks of Indian space programme, whose objectives are sharply focused on deriving socioeconomic benefits of space technology. The purpose of this paper is to identify various strategies, which played a role in different phases of the programme, contributing to social and economic outcomes and effectiveness. While self-reliant development of technological capacity and evaluation of applications with involvement of users formed the backbone of strategy in the initial phase of the programme, subsequent strategies were centred on development of organisational culture and systems, industry role and promotion of spin offs. Other strategies dealt with the response to challenges inherent in space endeavours in terms of risk management, sustainability, investments and long-term commitments, judicious make or buy decisions, safeguard of sensitive technologies, space commerce and finally harmonising international cooperation with national objectives. The strategies in the programme were consistently driven by a clear-cut vision and objectives to develop and use space technology in diverse areas where space systems become relevant for socioeconomic development such as telecommunications and broadcasting, meteorology, disaster management support, remote sensing of natural and anthropogenic phenomena, and positioning and navigation services. This paper synthesises various studies and experiences in India in order to analyse strategies in the face of changes in technology, application needs and international policies. It also examines the effectiveness of these strategies in terms of economic and social costs and benefits. Based on the above analysis, a typical conceptual model for use of space for development is suggested.
There is a new scenario developing with the advances in the Earth Observation, Positioning and Ge... more There is a new scenario developing with the advances in the Earth Observation, Positioning and Geographical Information (GI) domain. While on one hand, the power of ¨EO and GI” is changing the way governance, commerce, resource management, environmental protection, aviation, security and even a citizen’s life is impacted - either in a direct or indirect manner, images of the earth are now being collected from variety of easily-operable government- and private-platforms – satellites, aircrafts and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) or Drones (say, from DigitalGlobe, SPOT, IRS, Landsat, RapidEye and more recently Skybox and PlanetLabs and ultra-high resolution imaging from Aerial Survey companies, Drone Imaging companies etc). Till the mid- 2000s almost all of EO and GI data holdings were mainly in government domain – but now large number of private-sector EO and of GI data holdings - like Google, ESRI, Microsoft, Positioning services, EO and GI enterprises in various nations etc have emer...
Today, space-based EO data, meteorological observations and positioning information, integrated w... more Today, space-based EO data, meteorological observations and positioning information, integrated with ground data and maps, plays an important role in bringing logical decision-making, intelligence and wisdom in society - even at grass-root level. World over, society is generating, referencing, archiving and using vast amount of time-stamped geographically referenced data sets – enabling the development of integrated solutions that benefits individual citizens, societies, nations and humanity, in general. Because of this large amounts of spatial data availability the science of Spatial Analytics is becoming highly prevalent and relevant. The Centre for Spatial Analytics and Advanced GIS (C-SAG; www.csag.res.in) is developing an Agri-GIS - a suite of Spatial Analytics solutions based on EO images, meteorological data, Positioning data, various maps and different field data sets. The focus of the Agri-GIS is to address Smallholder Farmers – farm level aggregation and dis-aggregation of...
New Space, 2019
In recent times, debate is intense for an Indian Human Spaceflight (IHSF) Programme. An assessmen... more In recent times, debate is intense for an Indian Human Spaceflight (IHSF) Programme. An assessment of the challenges in the development of a human spaceflight (HSF) transport system has been studied by India centering on development of indigenous launch capability for a two-member crew to low earth orbit and return safely to predetermined destination on earth. However, India is yet to take a decision for a HSF program. At National Institute for Advanced Studies (NIAS), we have looked into the decision process that could lead to the crucial decision. We feel that establishing a political perspective for commitment, building a national consensus, and also addressing the technological challenges are important steps. Our article addresses these in a holistic manner: a critical factor of engagements at political level to obtain commitment for long-term implications, of almost 20-30 years, needs to be initiated. The democratic multiparty framework of India which has to deal with aspirations of Indian society will also have to decide on the long-term development of IHSF Programme. It will be a critical exercise to build the political perspectives. Consider the financial implications of a long-term HSF program development, not just the one time investments are required for demonstrating national capability but also for continued HSF pursuit with national gain. The assessment of returns and benefits has to be clearly articulated. Key technological challenges include crew module design, environmental control and life support system, mission management with human in-loop, crew escape system, launch facilities, astronaut training, etc. We also feel that strategic options are important in terms of indigenous technology development cycles, technology acquisition, collaborative synergies at international level, or even alignment/competing with growing global private initiatives in HSF program. The article outlines the above and identifies some key parameters that would determine decision and goals for India to pursue HSF, including attraction for long-term commitments and deepening investments at the cost of competing priorities, articulation of economic outcomes, apportionment of benefits across diverse political interests and time frames, various risk dimensions and ascertainment of public perceptions, impact on social objectives, international cooperation and positioning, and achieving high technological excellence in multiple sectors. The article finally would outline the path that still needs to be pursued for the national decision.
New Space, 2016
The vision of Indian Space was enunciated (in early 1970) by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai-who envisioned t... more The vision of Indian Space was enunciated (in early 1970) by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai-who envisioned the development of Indian space capability for benefit to society and meeting national development goals. The program is founded on self-reliance and indigenous capability development. Indian space activities have made tremendous progress in the past 50 years with successful satellites that have contributed to national development, science endeavor, and technological capability. Indian communication satellites in INSAT; Indian Earth observation (EO) satellites in IRS; Indian positioning satellites in Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System; various science missions; Indian launch vehicles in the PSLV and GSLV; mission to Moon-Chandrayaan-1; a mission to Mars have paved the way for advanced successful development of space capability in India. Successful foray into global markets has also been achieved. All this has enabled a high-class end-to-end systemic capability of design, development, and operations of Indian space assets and applications. Space-based services have created a huge and growing user base-which is a unique opportunity for developing the space industry and creating high-technology jobs. The changing policy environment in India-favoring deregulation, investments and thrusted privatization, impetus to manufacturing, intensive cooperation and so on, is generating a strong market drive for space activities in India. Indian space needs to orient for a quantum jump in technological growth and adopt organizational models that will ensure economic efficiency and position a vibrant private sector. National consequences for Indian human spaceflight and planetary exploration program; quest for a larger share and role in global space market; strategies to deal with changing political and economic environments and focused imperatives of international cooperation need strategic focus. The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) has taken up a policy research study to determine a futuristic Indian Space Policy-a comprehensive ''Indian Space Policy'' that addresses the long-term strategy of Indian space and promotes a holistic Indian space enterprise-alignment to national goals of industrialization and development; evolving a vibrant ecosystem of government-private sector partnership that assures operational space services (communications, EO and navigation, etc.) and advanced technology development; national commitment for 'long-term' human space-flight and planetary exploration mission investments and a strategic international cooperation regime. NIAS has undertaken wide consultation with Indian space professionals and is organizing a National Space Policy Workshop-all of which will be assimilated into the Policy document. The article presents the outcome of this study and the future Indian Space Policy.
54th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronautics, and the International Institute of Space Law, 2003
Geographic information systems (GIS), and their associated databases, already have had substantia... more Geographic information systems (GIS), and their associated databases, already have had substantial impact on government and business throughout the world. Increasingly, spatial data constitute the core of the information management systems of both private companies and public agencies. The spatial data and processing capabilities supplied by the technology also constitute a significant component of the emerging National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). The use of spatial data promises greater efficiency in commerce, improvements in the environment, health, and safety, increased convenience for consumers, more citizen participation in governance, and improved public and private decision making generally. Legal regimes for protecting and managing compilations of digital spatial data, however, are underdeveloped and unclear. Ownership of digital spatial data, protection of privacy, access rights to spatial data compiled and held by governments, and information liability are still developing in the context of GIS and spatial data. Moreover, disputes and policy debates over the use of spatial databases will become test cases for establishing law and policy in several critical areas of information law. It is spatial data products and services, as opposed to other forms of electronic data, that agencies at a variety of levels are attempting to sell, thus prompting legislative and other efforts by owners to restrict public access to spatial information in digital form. In short, because of the great value of GIS, its potential for altering government's relationships with citizens, and its potential for intrusiveness, concerns over the handling of digital spatial data will be substantial factors in society's reconciliation of competing social, economic, and political interests in electronic data generally.
India has an advanced national capacity in Earth Observation (EO) and also has a vast nation-wide... more India has an advanced national capacity in Earth Observation (EO) and also has a vast nation-wide imagery data base at different spatial resolutions; enjoys a good survey capability with topographic maps available for the entire country and is acknowledged for her capacity to design and develop Information Technology (IT) solutions for various applications and services. All these capabilities have powered effective utilisation of EO images, multi-layer thematic maps at national level in important GIS projects – providing a good GIS knowledge base. As a next step, the vision of National GIS has been un-folded -consisting of a nation-wide, large-scale, maintained GIS Asset, including EO images, and GIS Decision Support System that would be one of the core component of India's governance, planning and thus support the national development process. The National GIS is envisioned as a critical infrastructure providing GIS support to many aspects of the national economic and governanc...
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Papers by K R Sridhara Murthi