Boost for space tech and commerce

Boost for space tech and commerce

We cannot afford any constraints on our space technology programme, which bears promise of substantial economic benefits and enhancing military capabilities, says Kiran Karnik

LAST month saw two significant events connected with India’s technology sector: the launches of Agni 3 and Isro’s PSLV. In the former, success after the failure of the previous launch was particularly important. It indicated a robust system of analysing the failure, identifying problem areas and remedying them. This is the core of the method of science, and a necessary foundation to develop technological capability that ensures reliability and repeatability. PSLV has demonstrated this with its string of perfect launches, culminating last month in its first truly commercial launch. Isro has, thus, shown how technological capability can be monetised and joined the very small group of countries that offer commercial launches.
The two launches have considerable strategic and economic significance. The longer range of Agni 3 enables deployment further away from our borders. The latter enhances second strike capability, making feasible and credible the no-first-strike nuclear doctrine. However, with changing and unpredictable geo-political realities, the journey cannot end here: Agni 3 must be followed by an ICBM-range missile.
The military importance of space was brought home forcefully by the recent Chinese test of an anti-satellite weapon. Today, ships on high seas are being checked for whatever is defined as contraband; tomorrow, there could be interdiction of satellites in space. It is in this context that one must view space technology, including launch vehicles, satellites — for communication, broadcasting, remote sensing, reconnaissance, navigation, meteorology and other uses — and associated hardware and software on the ground. That many of these are dual-use (civil and military) has already resulted in a sanctions regime. Though now apparently moderated, there are yet embargoes on technologies and components for satellites and launchers. The Missile Technology Control Regime, used to deny India access to cryogenic technology, continues its restrictions. Hence, indigenous development of autonomous capability to build and launch satellites is necessary.
With increasing use of satellites for many applications — broadcasting, telecommunication, weather forecasting, position-location, etc. — the economic opportunities in the global market have increased vastly. This includes both the satellite itself, and also its launch. With our capabilities, we can clearly be an important player in this multibillion dollar market. In the years ahead, space can do for India what IT has done: enhance India’s image, even as it provides huge economic benefits.
The rapid development of space technology is, thus, an economic opportunity and a strategic necessity. It is important to examine what can be done to accelerate progress and to immediately remove all road-blocks and speed-breakers. While the elimination of restrictive international sanctions needs to be pursued, the lesson of our progress in space technology should not be lost on political decision-makers: we can continue to move forward — even if more slowly — despite the denial regimes. There should not be any attempt at a trade-off between accepting constraints and getting access to some foreign supplies or technology. The no-win negotiations on the nuclear deal — which, in simple terms, will deny us all that we ostensibly began talks for, while putting shackles on us — is a precedent to scrupulously avoid. We cannot afford any constraints on our space technology programme, which bears promise of substantial economic benefits and enhancing military capabilities.
THERE are also critical things to be done within the country. First, there is need to recognise that progress in this area — as in other areas of science and technology — is being impeded and seriously threatened by process and procedure constraints. In simple terms, bureaucracy is a very large obstacle. An important element in Isro’s success is its organisational ethos. Administration has been a support function and has not been permitted to dictate terms. The special relationship and rapport between past leaders of Isro and the prime minister of the day kept bureaucratic interference at bay.
Now, by all accounts, and especially in many other science-related areas, bureaucracy is increasingly dominant. Routine papers go up and down to various functionaries, and time — the most vital parameter for judging technological progress — is of no consequence. Bureaucratic personnel policies are adversely impacting motivation of existing staff, and are a deterrent to attracting bright young technologists. The innovative “flexible complementing system”, one of the foundations of success in Space and Atomic Energy, enables promotions without awaiting vacancies. It was crafted so as to encourage specialisation by technologists, so that a promotion does not mean converting a good engineer into a bad manager or administrator. Bureaucracy has long been unhappy with this and attempts to scuttle it are continuously underway. Insulating S&T from bureaucracy necessitates a major overhaul of the management of S&T, if the long-term interests of the country are to be safeguarded.
To overcome some of the inherent rigidities of the system, and to tap the growing expertise in the private sector, closer publicprivate collaboration is necessary. Some excellent work is already being done in this field, both in commercialisation of research (through CSIR) and in mission-oriented programmes (especially by Isro and Atomic Energy). This needs greater thrust. It is particularly necessary to involve the private sector in marketing, an area which cannot be adequately handled by governmental organisations.
At the broader level, there is need for a major stimulus to education in S&T. Better teaching of science and mathematics at the school level must be followed by encouraging bright students to consider not only engineering, but also science. Huge expansion is needed at the masters, doctoral and post-doctoral levels. Focusing simultaneously on both improving quality and expanding quantity will require major (and long overdue) systemic reforms in education. Better compensation for S&T personnel will help to attract and retain people, even as it encourages more youngsters to opt for S&T courses. This requires a bold vision, but also resources. A drastic increase in our R&D investment (currently just about 2% of GDP) is any way essential. After all, few other investments have the promise of such high returns — both strategically and to the economy.
(Author is president, Nasscom.
Views are personal. )