FAST READ
- India addressed the first International Space Summit in Paris on 10 September 2026.
- The message emphasised cooperation, sustainability and inclusion in space.
- India supported a safe, secure, peaceful and sustainable space domain anchored in international law.
WHY IN NEWS
- Growing numbers of satellites and actors are increasing congestion, debris and strategic risks in orbit.
- The summit foregrounded the need to preserve outer space as a global domain for peaceful use.
TOP DATA & FACTS
- The International Space Summit was held in Paris.
- India participated through the Prime Minister by video conference.
- Space services support climate, agriculture, oceans, communications and disaster management.
- Orbital debris can threaten operational spacecraft through collision risk.
- Space situational awareness tracks objects and conjunction risks.
- The Outer Space Treaty is a foundational instrument of international space law.
- Outer space is not subject to national appropriation by sovereignty claims under the Treaty framework.
- Registration and liability are important elements of space governance.
- Mega-constellations increase coordination and spectrum challenges.
- India's growing public and private space ecosystem increases its stake in global rule-making.
PRELIMS
- The Outer Space Treaty is a foundational treaty of space law.
- Space debris is not limited to naturally occurring meteoroids.
- International space governance involves both orbital safety and peaceful-use questions.
QUICK REVISION
- The International Space Summit was held in Paris.
- India participated through the Prime Minister by video conference.
- The Outer Space Treaty is a foundational treaty of space law.
PROBABLE OBJECTIVE QUESTION
With reference to the above topic, consider the following statements:
- The Outer Space Treaty is central to international space law.
- Orbital congestion can increase collision risks.
- Outer space can be nationally appropriated simply by occupying an orbit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3