1-in-10,000 casualty limit: India's new space rules make private firms fully liable if re-entering spacecraft cause damage anywhere in the world

India has introduced a new safety framework governing the planned re-entry of satellites, rocket stages and other space objects, setting a stringent benchmark for private space companies. Under the new rules, any object intentionally brought back to Earth must carry no more than a 1-in-10,000 probability of causing a human casualty, according to a TOI report.

The guidelines, issued by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), are designed to regulate the growing number of private space missions involving the controlled return of spacecraft, while aligning India with international safety and debris mitigation standards.

India introduces 1-in-10,000 safety rule for space re-entries

According to the TOI report, the new "Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for Authorisation of Planned Re-entry of Space Objects", dated July 23, require companies to demonstrate through detailed engineering studies that any planned re-entry mission poses no greater than a one in 10,000 chance of causing injury or death to a person on Earth.


Space operators must submit comprehensive risk assessments before receiving authorisation from IN-SPACe. The calculations must also be updated approximately three months before the planned re-entry to ensure the mission continues to meet the prescribed safety threshold.

Liability rests entirely with the operator

The guidelines also make it clear that private companies will bear full responsibility for any damage caused by re-entering space objects.

As quoted by TOI, the guidelines state that operators undertake re-entries "at their own risk and peril."

This means that if a spacecraft or rocket component causes damage anywhere in the world, the liability will rest with the operator rather than the Government of India. Companies are also strongly encouraged to obtain third-party liability insurance before undertaking such missions.

Which space missions require approval?

The rules mainly apply to spacecraft deliberately designed to survive atmospheric re-entry, including:

• Re-entry capsules
• Cargo return vehicles
• Experimental payload return missions
• Future crewed spacecraft

However, satellites that naturally burn up in the atmosphere as their orbits decay will not require separate re-entry authorisation, provided their disposal plans have already been declared as part of debris mitigation documentation.

Foreign companies must apply through Indian entities

According to the TOI report, overseas space companies cannot seek authorisation directly from IN-SPACe.

Instead, they must submit applications through an Indian-incorporated entity, such as a subsidiary or joint venture, which will be responsible for complying with India's legal, regulatory and security requirements.

Advance approvals and NOTAMs made mandatory

The framework also lays down timelines for seeking approval. Companies planning controlled re-entry from the outset must include detailed risk assessments when applying for mission authorisation. If a re-entry plan is developed after launch, operators must apply for approval at least six months before the planned manoeuvre.

In addition, operators must coordinate with aviation and maritime authorities by issuing Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) and maritime warnings around 45 days before the scheduled re-entry to alert aircraft and ships operating near the designated impact zone.

New rules support India's expanding private space sector

India's private space industry has expanded rapidly following the opening of the sector to non-government players. As companies prepare for increasingly sophisticated missions, including reusable spacecraft and future cargo or astronaut return flights, the new IN-SPACe framework provides a clear regulatory pathway for conducting safe and responsible re-entry operations.

Inputs from TOI