India Restricts Chinese and Hong Kong Satellite Operators for Domestic Services, Prioritizing National Security

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has refused applications from China Satcom, APT Satellite Holdings Limited (ApStar), and Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat) to offer satellite services within India. This decision is part of a broader strategy by India to enhance security measures against China and to foster indigenous capabilities in the vital space sector.

Previously, India had permitted international satellites, even those linked to Chinese entities, due to capacity limitations. However, with the growing importance of space for national defense, the government is now pushing for self-reliance in satellite technology and infrastructure.

Indian broadcasters like JioStar and Zee, along with teleport operators, will need to migrate their services from AsiaSat satellites (specifically AS5 and AS7) to alternatives such as India's GSAT satellites or Intelsat by March next year. Companies have already begun this transition to avoid disruptions. Several other international operators, including Intelsat, Starlink, and OneWeb, have received authorization to operate in India.

AsiaSat, despite its 33-year presence in India, faces rejection for permissions on AS6, AS8, and AS9 satellites, while only AS5 and AS7 are authorized until March. The company, through its Indian representative Inorbit Space, is negotiating with IN-SPACe to retain its services, noting a lack of prior non-compliance issues.

Impact: This move is expected to increase demand for Indian domestic satellite services and infrastructure, potentially benefiting Indian space technology companies. It also necessitates operational adjustments for Indian broadcasters and teleporters, encouraging a shift towards locally controlled or non-Chinese international satellite solutions. The restriction could also influence future international partnerships in India's rapidly growing space sector. Rating: 6/10

Difficult terms: * **IN-SPACe**: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre. This is an autonomous body of the Indian government that authorizes and regulates the establishment and operation of space activities and services in India. * **Geopolitical instability**: Refers to tensions, conflicts, or uncertainty in the relationships between countries, which can impact international security and cooperation. * **Teleporters**: In the context of broadcasting, teleport operators manage ground stations that transmit (uplink) and receive (downlink) signals to and from satellites. * **Domestic capabilities**: The ability of a nation to develop, manufacture, and operate its own technology, infrastructure, and resources within its borders, without reliance on foreign entities. * **Satellite capacity**: The maximum amount of data or number of communication channels that a satellite can handle or transmit simultaneously. * **Uplinks**: The transmission path from an Earth-based station to a satellite.