Modernising Space Liability: A Comparative Analysis Of The UN Liability Convention And Indian Government Policy

The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, 1972¹ (UN Liability Convention) was a pioneering framework designed to address potential damage from space activities. However, with the rapid pace of technological advancements and the increasing involvement of private companies in space, the Convention has become somewhat outdated. Initially created for an era dominated by state-led missions, the convention now struggles to address the complexities introduced by modern space ventures.

India, emerging as a significant player in the global space arena, exemplifies this shift. In 2020, the Indian space sector² was valued at $9.6 billion, contributing 2%-3% to the global space economy. By 2025, this sector is expected to grow to $13 billion, with aspirations to capture close to 10% of the global space economy by 2030. Recognising these changes, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) released the Norms,