Space technology is revolutionising the economic and social structures on Earth. The growing number of entrepreneurs utilising data derived from satellites for providing financial, technological, legal and security solutions demonstrate the limitless potential of space technology for benefitting societies. There are commercial actors manufacturing, launching and maintaining satellites, particularly small satellites.
Even as outer space is becoming democratised, the longstanding issues of space security and sustainability remains. In fact, these issues have become much complex owing to the increasing number of commercial actors as well as developing countries trying to become spacefaring nations. Inadvertent transfers of dual-use technology and increasing cyber capabilities are threatening global norms on outer space. These norms, which are mostly developed during the Cold War, are yet to catch up with the reality.
Therefore, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) holds ORF Kalpana Chawla Annual Space Policy Dialogue gathering executives, policymakers, technologists, entrepreneurs, and academicians to discuss the disruptive trends from the current state of space activities. This platform is unique in advocating the need for a national space policy for India to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in security, civil and commercial space applications. Through an engaging dialogue on various themes and networking opportunities, participants will discover new ideas from across traditional and non-traditional space actors.
This Dialogue is initiated in the memory of Dr. Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-American woman in space. She was part of the growing trend of international cooperation in outer space between India and the United States. Her research represents cross-cultural efforts on behalf of all mankind for the betterment of life on Earth and our understanding of outer space. Her tragic accident on board the Columbia Space Shuttle reminds us that the stakes are very high when it comes to space exploration but exemplifying the belief that the rewards outweigh the dangers. Her accomplishments further prove that traditional barriers such as nationality and gender are giving way to closer ties between people all across the globe.
In honour of Dr. Chawla, ORF holds this annual dialogue highlighting the success of India’s cooperation with all the major spacefaring nations and to discuss ways to mitigate the socio-political challenges on Earth that must still be overcome.
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Dr Rajeswari (Raji) Pillai Rajagopalan is the Director of the Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology (CSST) at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. Dr Rajagopalan was the Technical Advisor to the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) (July 2018-July 2019). She was also a Non-Resident Indo-Pacific Fellow at the Perth USAsia Centre from April-December 2020. As a senior Asia defence writer for The Diplomat, she writes a weekly column on Asian strategic issues.
Contact: rpr@orfonline.org
Phones: +91 981891568
Pulkit Mohan
Pulkit Mohan is an Associate Fellow with the Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology (CSST) at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. Her research focuses on the intersection of cyber security and nuclear security and nuclear deterrence, with a focus on South Asia. She is also works extensively on India’s nuclear programme and the utilisation of nuclear energy.
Samyak Rai Leekha
Samyak Rai Leekha is a Junior Fellow with the Centre for Security, Strategy & Technology at ORF. Mr. Leekha’s area of interest is at the intersection of IT, warfare, international relations, privacy & great power competition.
