Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
PhD Student, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Since 1963, India has steadily followed in the footsteps of the world's wealthiest nations by continuously investing in its national space programs, becoming one of the six leading countries in space utilization. Delhi is recognized as the fourth nation to conquer the moon, after the USA, Russia, and China, with extensive explorations beyond Earth's atmosphere. India's space agency plans to send humans into space and establish an independent space station despite significant challenges like providing safe drinking water, road and electricity access, and severe malnutrition for a substantial portion of its population. Therefore, the present paper aims to investigate why India, while facing numerous economic issues and serious resource constraints, has consistently invested in its national space programs since 1963, following the path of the richest countries.
Methodology
This research analyzes the political economy of the Indian space program using an abductive approach through an integrated framework based on four theories in economics, management, political economy, and international relations. The integrated approach utilizes causal mechanisms embedded in competing theoretical traditions, aiming for sufficient coherence to distinguish the research from conventional studies while maintaining enough flexibility to encompass a wide range of issues, concepts, methods, and causal arguments. Abductive reasoning begins with observations and proposes the simplest and most likely explanation.
Findings
Based on the analysis, space is one of the most advantageous areas of investment for a developing country like India. Politically, it enhances prestige and prevents the formation of mutual military dependence on the international stage. Economically, it yields high returns relative to the investment, while also creating a network of influential beneficiaries around the national space program. Regarding the breaking of multilateral monopolies and achieving economic gains, by 2023, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched 430 satellites of various weights for clients from around the world into different orbits. This effort has generated over 290 million euros from launching European satellites and more than 170 million dollars from launching American satellites. ISRO hopes to increase its space budget, boost the number of commercial launches, attract private investors, and foster startups in various space-related industries to earn between 40 to 100 billion dollars from the global market for space-related goods and services, counter the existing monopolies in this technology sector, and become an influential player by 2040.
Additionally, ISRO has been designing, constructing, and deploying telecommunications satellites since 1983 to prevent militarized interdependence in space technology. Currently, India not only does not need foreign satellites for broadcasting but is also going to provide access to over 903 satellite channels for its citizens through indigenous satellites by 2024. India earns revenue from broadcasting foreign channels.
Regarding prestige, reaching the highly monopolized domains of global space technology requires substantial contributions that other nations and technological companies had not yet achieved. Having sufficient foreign clients for space-related products and services also necessitated attaining enough prestige to be recognized as a space power, rather than a mere follower of past programs. Therefore, space programs have become essential for India's national, regional, and international prestige, with ISRO achieving missions at costs lower than a typical film budget, thus integrating space programs into India's undeniable prestige.
Regarding the influential beneficiaries of the Indian space program, it is important to note that the benefits of investment in space research and programs are not limited to space exploration alone. In many cases, the outcomes of space research have ultimately permeated the everyday lives of the general population. One notable example is distance education, from which India has greatly benefited regarding its large rural population.
Conclusions
The analysis suggests that the costs of investment in space programs for a country like India are significantly lower than the costs of lack of investment. Politically and economically, there are no viable alternatives. The experience of India demonstrates that space is one of the most beneficial investment areas for a developing country, now and in the foreseeable future.
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