India tightens space safety: IN-SPACe issues first-ever re-entry guidelines

India has issued new rules requiring prior IN-SPACe authorisation for planned re-entry of space objects. The framework sets safety, liability and reporting conditions as India expands its space activity.Any planned re-entry undertaken by an Indian entity, whether within or outside Indian territory, will require prior authorisation from IN-SPACe. (Photo: Generative AI by India Today)India has unveiled a comprehensive set of guidelines governing the planned re-entry of space objects into Earth's atmosphere, marking another major milestone in implementing the Indian Space Policy 2023.The announcement comes just days after India's first private rocket Vikram-1 soared into space on a historic flight, adding to the growing catalogue of Indian missions in space.The new framework has been issued by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) under the Department of Space.The "Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for Authorisation for Undertaking Planned Re-entry of Space Objects" lays down the regulatory framework for Indian companies and organisations seeking to intentionally de-orbit satellites, rocket stages or other spacecraft in a safe and controlled manner. Vikram-1’s spectacular liftoff captured in slow motionThe instant Vikram-1 cleared the First Launch Pad at Sriharikota — over in a blink at full speed, here frame by frame.Ignition. Plume ballooning off the deck. The first few feet of a rocket bound for orbit.pic.twitter.com/ESNEy0Gh9H— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) July 28, 2026 WHAT DOES THE NEW RE-ENTRY GUIDELINES SAY?Under the new rules, any planned re-entry undertaken by an Indian entity, whether within or outside Indian territory, will require prior authorisation from IN-SPACe.Foreign entities intending to conduct a planned re-entry within Indian territory will have to route their applications through an incorporated Indian entity, which will be responsible for ensuring compliance with Indian laws and national security requirements. However, the guidelines clarify that spacecraft naturally re-entering Earth's atmosphere as part of routine post-mission disposal, where they are expected to burn up completely and leave minimal debris, will not require separate re-entry authorisation.Such disposal plans must instead be included in the applicant's space debris mitigation strategy.A key feature of the framework is its emphasis on public safety. Operators must demonstrate that the expected casualty risk from a planned re-entry remains below one in 10,000.The re-entry must also include detailed predictions of the re-entry corridor, tracking and monitoring arrangements, the capability to alter or abort the sequence if anomalies occur, and comprehensive survivability and fragmentation assessments.Applicants will be required to submit extensive technical documentation, including the spacecraft's characteristics, mission objectives, de-orbit strategy, projected impact zones, risk assessments, environmental considerations, and supporting trajectory analyses.They must also obtain the necessary Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and maritime danger-zone notifications before receiving final authorisation from IN-SPACe.The guidelines also make operators liable for any third-party damage arising from re-entry operations. Companies must obtain adequate insurance coverage, including mandatory third-party liability insurance wherever prescribed, while ensuring that re-entry activities do not expose the Government of India to liabilities under the 1972 Liability Convention.Any changes to the planned trajectory, timeline or ownership structure must be immediately reported to IN-SPACe and may require fresh approval.The move comes as India expands its commercial space ambitions through reusable launch vehicles, private satellite constellations and future human spaceflight missions, making safe disposal of spacecraft an increasingly critical element of long-term space sustainability.- EndsPublished By: Sibu Kumar TripathiPublished On: Jul 29, 2026 13:08 IST