UPSC Notes

India's Space Security Strategy

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

This concept is directly relevant to India's national security, strategic autonomy, and its policy responses to geopolitical challenges in the space domain. It covers technological self-reliance, international cooperation, and defense preparedness.

India's space security strategy encompasses a range of policy and technological measures aimed at protecting its vital space assets from adversarial threats, enhancing resilience, and maintaining strategic deterrence in the face of evolving counter-space capabilities by other nations.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Vulnerability

Limited satellite redundancy (approx. 60 operational satellites) compared to adversaries, making India more susceptible to losses.

Threats

Potential for peacetime harassment (lasing), jamming (e.g., NavIC system), or hard-kill attacks on critical satellites (e.g., CARTOSAT/RISAT series).

Resilience Measures

Expanding the domestic space industry, disaggregating large satellite constellations, strengthening ground asset protection, and enhancing data-sharing with strategic partners.

Deterrence

Mission Shakti (India's ASAT test) has strengthened deterrence, but India still lacks co-orbital capabilities and needs to define clear red lines for proportionate response.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations
Conceptual areaScience & Technology

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)Develops and launches satellites, key player in india's space program and technological self-reliance
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Quick revision

  • India's vulnerability stems from limited satellite redundancy.
  • Strategies include expanding industry and disaggregating constellations.
  • Protection of ground assets and data sharing are vital.
  • Mission Shakti strengthens deterrence but has limitations.
  • Need for co-orbital capabilities and clear red lines.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

International RelationsScience & Technology

Orbital rivalry — the challenge of China’s space power

02 Jun 2026 · India's space security strategy focuses on building resilience against counter-space threats through industrial expansion, disaggregated satellite constellations, robust ground infrastructure, and international data-sharing, while also leveraging capabilities like Mission Shakti for deterrence and defining clear red lines.

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India's Space Security Strategy

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UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on India's Space Security Strategy in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.