HS 466 Space Economics and Policy Assignments
As part of the course HS466: Space Economics and Policy, you are required to complete
an individual assignment carrying 20 marks. Each student is assigned a specific topic
related to various dimensions of space economics and policy. The objective of this
assignment is to analyse and empirically evaluate the assigned topic using relevant data,
theoretical frameworks, and policy perspectives discussed in class by using the directions
given under the topic.
Your report should reflect critical understanding, analytical depth, and originality of
thought. All sources of information, data, and references used in the analysis must be
properly cited and listed in the reference section following standard academic
conventions. The assignment must be typed and submitted in either Word (.docx) or PDF
(.pdf) format. The report should not exceed 15 pages, should be single-spaced, and
presented in a clear and professional format.
Please submit your completed assignment on or before 21st November by email to
shaiju@[Link] .The subject line of your email should be written as: HS466
Assignment_Name of the Student
Late submissions will not be entertained without prior permission. Change of assigned
topic is not allowed.
Best wishes for your work and thoughtful analysis.
Topics
1. Cost–Benefit Analysis of a Space Mission – Bibhudatta Dalei
Task: Choose one Indian or international space mission (e.g., Chandrayaan-3,
Mars Orbiter Mission, Starlink) and perform a brief cost–benefit or socio-
economic impact analysis.
Evaluation Focus: Analytical reasoning, data use, and clarity of argument.
2. Space Start-ups and Market Liberalization – Jadhav Sai Teja
Task: Discuss how private participation and policy reforms (such as IN-SPACe or
New Space India Ltd.) are reshaping India’s space sector.
Evaluation Focus: Understanding of policy frameworks and critical assessment.
3. International Space Governance- Devanshi Bhalavi
Task: Examine the role of international treaties (Outer Space Treaty, Moon
Agreement, Artemis Accords) in shaping global space governance.
Evaluation Focus: Legal awareness, comparative insight, and balanced
discussion.
4. Economic Rationale for Space Investment – Mathukumalli
Venkatabalasubramanya Prakash
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Task: Explain why governments invest in space research and technology. Relate
your answer to theories of public goods, externalities, and national innovation
systems.
Evaluation Focus: Economic reasoning, theory–practice integration.
5. Comparative Study: NASA, ESA, and ISRO – Nehal Oraon
Task: Compare the funding structures, organizational models, and
commercialization approaches of NASA, ESA, and ISRO.
Evaluation Focus: Data organization, analytical depth, and comparative insight
6. Space Debris and Economic Externalities – Rahul Kumar
Task: Discuss space debris as a negative externality in the global space
economy. Suggest policy instruments or international cooperation mechanisms to
address it.
Evaluation Focus: Economic theory application and policy creativity.
7. Future of the Indian Space Economy – Vimlesh Kumar Singh
Task: Based on recent developments, project the potential size, structure, and
global competitiveness of the Indian space economy by 2035.
Evaluation Focus: Use of data, forward thinking, and coherence of arguments.
8. The Space Economy Framework – Chhand Pagariya
Task: Explain the structure of the global space economy. Identify and discuss the
major segments (upstream, downstream, ancillary services) with examples from
India.
Evaluation Focus: Conceptual clarity, correct categorization, and use of examples
9. Evolution of India’s Space Policy – Kulkarni Sumati Suhas
Task: Trace the evolution of India’s space policy from 1960s to the present.
Highlight key policy shifts, institutional changes, and their economic implications.
Evaluation Focus: Chronology, clarity, and policy–economy linkages.
10. Role of Space Technology in Climate and Disaster Management – Pradeep
Sundar C B
Task: Examine how space-based data (remote sensing, GIS, satellites)
contribute to climate resilience and disaster mitigation in India.
Focus: Practical applications and socio-economic benefits.
11. Space Tourism: Opportunities and Ethical Concerns – Sanket Kumar
Task: Assess the potential of space tourism as an emerging industry. Discuss
economic opportunities and the ethical/environmental concerns it raises.
Focus: Market potential and critical evaluation.
12. Role of Startups and Venture Capital in the Space Economy – Arpit Gupta
Task: Evaluate the ecosystem supporting space startups in India. Discuss the
role of venture funding, incubators, and government policy.
Focus: Entrepreneurship, finance, and policy linkage.
13. Space Infrastructure as a Public Good – Ashwani Kumar
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Task: Discuss whether space infrastructure (e.g., navigation, earth observation
satellites) should be treated as a public good or a commercial service.
Focus: Application of economic theory to space policy.
14. Global Competition and Cooperation in Space – Chamandeep Singh
Task: Explore how geopolitical competition and international cooperation coexist
in the global space economy.
Focus: Policy analysis and real-world examples.
15. Role of IN-SPACe and NSIL in India’s Space Commercialization – Gaddala
Joshua Obed Yakin
Task: Critically assess how the establishment of IN-SPACe and NSIL transformed
India’s space governance and commercialization model.
Focus: Institutional and policy reform analysis.
16. Space-Based Internet Constellations and Market Disruption – Malav Umang
Patel
Task: Analyze the economic and regulatory implications of satellite internet
constellations such as Starlink or OneWeb.
Focus: Market dynamics, competition, and access issues.
17. Economic Implications of Space Militarization – Naman Nagendra Bhat
Task: Evaluate the costs, risks, and strategic motivations behind the militarization
of space.
Focus: Security–economy interface.
18. Role of Data in the Space Economy – Priyanshu Singh
Task: Discuss how satellite-generated data drives downstream economic
activities in sectors such as agriculture, navigation, and telecommunications.
Focus: Data economy and value chain understanding.
19. Measuring the Space Economy – Rashi Khanna
Task: Examine the challenges in defining and measuring the size and scope of
the space economy at national and global levels.
Focus: Methodological clarity and critical thinking
20. Public–Private Partnerships in Space Projects – Vibhum Singh
Task: Evaluate the effectiveness of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in
advancing space missions and technology transfer.
Focus: Policy instruments and case study illustration
21. Space Mining: Economic Promise and Legal Ambiguity – Anand Choubey
Task: Discuss the potential of asteroid mining as an economic opportunity and
the legal uncertainties surrounding resource ownership.
Focus: Innovation, law, and economics intersection
22. Space Insurance and Risk Management - Anurag
Task: Explain the importance of insurance mechanisms in commercial space
operations. Discuss how risk is priced and managed in this sector.
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Focus: Financial aspects and risk assessment.
23. Economic Impact of Small Satellite Revolution – Dipanshu Soni
Task: Assess how miniaturization and CubeSat technology have democratized
access to space.
Focus: Market innovation and affordability
24. Business opportunities of Low Earth Orbit – Kanisha Mehta
Task: Evaluate the LEO advantage with data
Focus: Space applications and business prospects
25. India’s Space Economy and Regional Development – Kavi Amutha Priya
Task: Analyze how space-related industries contribute to regional economic
growth, employment, and innovation clusters.
Focus: Spatial economics and policy outcomes
26. Role of Academia in Space Policy and Innovation – Lohitha Kruthika
Task: Evaluate how academic institutions contribute to policy research,
technology development, and the innovation ecosystem in the space sector.
Focus: Knowledge economy and institutional collaboration
27. Ethical and Environmental Dimensions of Space Exploration
Task: Discuss the sustainability and ethical implications of human expansion into
space.
Focus: Value-based and interdisciplinary analysis
28. Economic Diplomacy through Space Cooperation - Neelavbra Chakraborty
Task: Examine how international space collaborations contribute to India’s
economic diplomacy and soft power.
Focus: Strategic policy and economic outcomes
29. Economics of Satellite Launch Services – Tanay Wankhede
Task: Analyze the competitiveness of India’s launch services in the global market.
Compare PSLV/GSLV launch pricing with global providers like SpaceX or
Arianespace.
Focus: Market economics, cost structures, and India’s strategic positioning
30. Space-Based Applications in Agriculture and Rural Development – Sandra
Karthika P S
Task: Examine how satellite technology supports agricultural productivity, crop
insurance, and rural planning in India.
Focus: Development economics and applied space policy
31. Space Infrastructure Financing Models – Uttam Kumar
Task: Explore different models of financing large-scale space infrastructure
projects (e.g., satellites, ground stations, spaceports). Discuss public, private,
and hybrid approaches.
Focus: Economic feasibility and investment mechanisms
32. Women and the Space Economy - Muskan Verma
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Task: Assess the role and representation of women in the space sector—policy,
leadership, and entrepreneurship. Highlight key initiatives or barriers in India and
globally.
Focus: Inclusivity, policy, and human capital development
33. Economic Impact of Satellite Navigation Systems – Aryan Gujral
Task: Evaluate how navigation systems such as NavIC, GPS, and Galileo
influence transportation, logistics, and digital economies.
Focus: Technology diffusion and economic integration
34. Space Education and Human Capital Formation – Musmade Satyajeet
Krishna
Task: Discuss how investments in space education and research institutions (like
IIST) contribute to national innovation capacity and economic growth.
Focus: Education policy and long-term economic benefit
35. Ethical Economics of Planetary Exploration - Vishal Jindal
Task: Critically assess whether investment in planetary exploration (Moon, Mars
missions) can be justified economically when compared to pressing development
needs on Earth.
Focus: Ethical economics and public investment rationale.
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