Starry Eyes or Serious Potential? - The Rise of India's Space Program

The landmark success of India's moon launch in October 2008 has all eyes set on the Indian space program. India’s space program produces both satellites and launchers. The development-oriented missions of educational communications and remote sensing that were the program's mainstay are now supplemented by plans for human space flight and hopes for a significant share of the US$2.5 billion commercial launch industry. The United States has resumed space cooperation with India, and is hoping to extend this more fully to the launch area. India's strategic thinking has expanded to encompass a defensive role for its space capabilities. This is yet another manifestation of India re-positioning its position in the global power game.