Space safety
India documents start of debris-removal precursor demonstrations
The August 13 parliamentary reply connects policy and on-orbit trials, but names no target object, removal attempt, operational system or timetable.
Editorial desk
Policy
The institutions, rules and long-range choices shaping how India operates in an increasingly crowded space domain.
Space policy
NASA’s interim NEPA rule takes effect with 19 adopted exclusions
Part 1216 now codifies previously adopted exclusions, one- and two-year review deadlines, page caps and a defined role for commercial project sponsors.
U.S.-Japan space security
U.S.-Japan GEO sensor pair is in orbit, but readiness remains unconfirmed
The second U.S. optical payload launched with Japan’s QZS-7, completing the two-launch plan. The Space Force named an operator and data destination but did not announce first light, checkout completion or operational acceptance.
Launch economics
India’s $13,302-per-kg launch estimate uses capacity, not payload flown
A new dataset ranks India highest among six major launching regions in 2025. Its result divides estimated flyaway costs by vehicles’ maximum LEO capacity, leaving prices, mission budgets and actual payload masses outside the measure.
Policy
Government data puts private space investment at $618.5 million
The latest Parliament figures show capital and approvals rising after the 2020 reforms, while official documents leave key definitions unresolved and publish conflicting authorisation totals.
The 2047 dossier
From Gaganyaan to an Indian station in orbit
A mission-by-mission guide to the approved modules, return technologies and launch systems connecting today’s crew programme to Bharatiya Antariksh Station and a lunar landing.
Space safety
India’s orbital traffic report, decoded
ISSAR-2025 shows how a record launch year translated into more conjunction alerts, more manoeuvre reviews and a heavier operational burden for spaceflight safety.