**Executive Summary**
This document is an answer to the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 892 regarding the space insurance ecosystem in India, answered on February 04, 2026. The response addresses the availability of space insurance, efforts towards space sustainability, regulatory provisions for risk mitigation, and promotion of a domestic space insurance ecosystem. The document highlights the government's awareness and actions related to space insurance and sustainability.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Availability of Space Insurance:**
* Different types of space insurance products are available and offered by Indian insurers in collaboration with global entities.
* Private entities are free to obtain appropriate insurance for their space activities.
* **Space Sustainability Efforts:**
* The government recognizes the growing importance of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) for space sustainability.
* ISRO System for Safe and sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM) has been established to focus on spaceflight safety and debris mitigation.
* ISRO missions adhere to internationally accepted space debris mitigation guidelines.
* ISRO contributes to shaping guidelines for sustainable use of space through various international agencies.
* The Indian Space Policy emphasizes space debris mitigation and SSA capacity building.
* The Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) aims for debris-free missions by 2030.
* **Regulatory and Insurance Provisions:**
* The government encourages private entities to obtain appropriate insurance to cover risks.
* A draft policy framework and guidelines are under consultation, addressing State's Liability towards third-party damages.
* Third-party liability insurance may be required for launch operators.
* **Promotion of Domestic Space Insurance Ecosystem:**
* Space insurance products are already available to private and government entities.
* Insurers and re-insurers distribute the risks associated with space activities among themselves.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Insurers**
* **Impact:** They can provide a variety of space insurance products in collaboration with global partners.
* **Action Required:** Continue to offer and develop insurance products suitable for the space sector.
**Private Space Entities**
* **Impact:** They are encouraged to obtain appropriate and adequate insurance coverage for space activities.
* **Action Required:** Assess their risks and obtain suitable insurance coverage, including third-party liability insurance.
**ISRO**
* **Impact:** They are responsible for implementing space debris mitigation and sustainability measures.
* **Action Required:** Continue to adhere to international guidelines and contribute to the development of global standards.
**Launch Operators**
* **Impact:** Launch operators may be required to maintain third-party liability insurance to cover potential damages.
* **Action Required:** Assess the requirements for third-party liability insurance and obtain the necessary coverage.
Key Entities Referenced
ISRO System for Safe and sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM): System established by ISRO to focus on spaceflight safety and debris mitigation.
Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM): Initiative spearheaded by ISRO aiming for debris-free space missions by Indian space actors by 2030.
Indian Space Policy: Policy that places significant importance in space debris mitigation requirements and SSA capacity building.
Policy framework and guidelines addressing State's Liability towards third party damages arising due to Indian Space Objects: Draft policy framework undergoing consultations, addressing liability towards third-party damages arising from Indian space objects.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF SPACE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 892
TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2026
SPACE INSURANCE ECOSYSTEM IN INDIA
892. SHRI RAO RAJENDRA SINGH:
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that space insurance in India
continues to be largely treated as sovereign function despite the
increasing participation of private entities in the space sector;
(b) whether the Government has taken note of the growing
international emphasis on comprehensive satellite life-cycle
management including mandatory end-of-life de-orbiting and debris
mitigation obligations, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any specific regulatory or insurance-linked provisions
presently exist in the country to address risks associated with
satellite de-orbiting, space debris and post-mission disposal, if so,
the details thereof; and
(d) the steps proposed to be taken to promote a structured domestic
space insurance ecosystem in the country including coverage for
launch risks, in-orbit failures and de-orbiting obligations, in line
with international best practices?ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC
GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
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(a) Different types of space insurance products are available and offered by
Indian insurers in collaboration with global insurers, re-insurers,
underwriters and brokers. Therefore, the private entities are free to
obtain the appropriate insurances for the space activity being
undertaken by them.
(b) Yes. Recognising the growing importance of Space Situational
Awareness (SSA) for space sustainability, ISRO System for Safe
and sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM) has been
established to focus all efforts related to spaceflight safety and
debris mitigation and for dealing with the emerging challenges in
operating in a congested space environment.
ISRO missions adheres to the internationally accepted space
debris mitigation guidelines recommended by UN -COPOUS and
Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) to the
maximum possible extent.
ISRO contributes substantially for shaping the pertinent guidelines
and recommendations for sustainable use of space as an active
member of various international agencies dealing with safety and
sustainability of outer space activities, such as IADC, IAA
(International Academy of Astronautics), ISO (International
Organization for Standardization), IAF (International Astronautical
Federation), UN Long Term Sustainability Working Group.The Indian Space Policy places significant importance in space
debris mitigation requirements and SSA capacity building.
The Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) initiative is also
spearheaded by ISRO with an aim to achieve debris-free space
missions by all Indian space actors, both governmental and non-
governmental, by 2030. The initiative aligns with global efforts for
space sustainability, positioning India as a nation prioritizing
safety, security, and sustainability in outer space activities.
(c) The private entities undertaking the space activities in the country are
encouraged by the Government to obtain appropriate and adequate
insurances to cover the risks associated with the activity. A draft “Policy
framework and guidelines addressing State’s Liability towards third
party damages arising due to Indian Space Objects”, is presently
undergoing various consultations, which envisages, among others, the
third-party liability insurance to be maintained by the launch operators
as one of the measures to cover the risk and the States’ liability under
the international treaties and conventions.
(d) Different types of space insurance products are already available and
offered by Indian insurers in collaboration with global insurers, re-
insurers, underwriters and brokers to the private or government entities.
Considering the space activities being high valued capital intensive and
risk prone, it is a global practice that the insurers and re-insurers
worldwide distribute the risks among themselves.
****