UPSC Mains Daily Answer Writing Practice (October 15, 2026): Model Answer & Framework

UPSC Mains Daily Answer Writing Practice (October 15, 2026): Model Answer & Framework

Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Question & Model Answer Framework (October 15, 2026)

Today's Mains Question (GS Paper 3: Science & Technology / Security - 15 Marks / 250 Words)

"The proliferation of 'on-orbit space control weapons' threatens to transform outer space into a theater of geopolitical contestation. Examine the strategic security implications of this trend and analyze the inadequacy of existing multilateral frameworks. What measures are imperative to ensure sustainable and peaceful space governance?"

1. Decoding the Directive & Demand of the Question

Directive: Examine and Analyze — This requires a multi-layered evaluation. You must first dissect what on-orbit space control weapons are and their cascading security risks, inspect why current global frameworks are failing, and finally prescribe concrete, actionable multilateral and national strategies.

Core Demands:

  • Define and contextualize on-orbit space control weapons (co-orbital anti-satellite systems, robotic arms, signal jammers).
  • Examine strategic and security implications (Kessler syndrome, strategic instability, weaponization of critical infrastructure).
  • Critique existing international space laws (Outer Space Treaty, 1967).
  • Propose a roadmap for robust multilateral space governance safeguarding India’s strategic autonomy.

2. Structural Outline / Skeleton Framework

  • Introduction (30-40 words): Define the shift from peaceful exploration to militarization of outer space, citing the emergence of active on-orbit proximity operations and space control capabilities.
  • Body Section 1: Strategic & Security Implications (70-80 words): Discuss gray-zone warfare, vulnerability of commercial and military communication/navigation satellites, and escalation risks leading to accidental orbital debris cascades (Kessler Syndrome).
  • Body Section 2: Lacunae in Multilateral Governance (70-80 words): Highlight loopholes in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (prohibiting only Weapons of Mass Destruction, not conventional or kinetic/non-kinetic counter-space weapons), deadlock in the UN Conference on Disarmament (PAROS), and lack of binding transparency and confidence-building measures (TCBMs).
  • Way Forward & Recommendation (40-50 words): Advocate for legally binding behavior norms, active debris removal protocols, the codification of "due regard" principles, and leveraging India’s Indian Space Policy 2023 alongside international coalitions.
  • Conclusion (20-30 words): Reiterate that outer space is a Global Commons, and unchecked weaponization threatens planetary security, demanding an urgent cooperative global order.

3. Comprehensive Model Answer

The contemporary geopolitical landscape has witnessed outer space transition from a pristine realm of scientific cooperation into a contested domain of strategic rivalry. The deployment of 'on-orbit space control weapons'—ranging from co-orbital interceptors and robotic manipulators capable of disabling rival assets to sophisticated cyber-jamming platforms—has fundamentally altered modern deterrence theory and gray-zone warfare.

Strategic and Security Implications:

  • Erosion of Strategic Stability: Space assets form the backbone of modern command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. Targeting them creates a "first-strike instability," tempting adversaries to blind opponents preemptively.
  • Dual-Use Dilemma: Most space control technologies are masked as satellite servicing or debris-removal vehicles. This ambiguity makes attribution difficult, increasing the risk of miscalculated escalation.
  • Ecological Threat (Kessler Syndrome): Kinetic or high-energy engagements in low Earth orbit (LEO) generate millions of hyper-velocity debris fragments, threatening global navigation, meteorology, and telecommunications for generations.

Inadequacy of Existing Multilateral Frameworks:

The cornerstone of international space law, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST), suffers from glaring obsolescence. While it bans the placement of Nuclear Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in orbit, it remains silent on conventional weapons, electronic warfare, and on-orbit kinetic systems. Furthermore, the UN Conference on Disarmament (CD) has remained deadlocked for decades over negotiations on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) due to geopolitical polarization and conflicting national ambitions.

Imperative for Robust Multilateral Space Governance:

  • Legally Binding Norms of Behavior: Transitioning from voluntary guidelines to strict, verifiable protocols governing proximity operations and safe separation distances.
  • Redefining Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs): Mandating advance notification of orbital maneuvers and establishing international hotline protocols for space-faring nations.
  • Strengthening National Capabilities: For India, leveraging indigenous deterrence capabilities (demonstrated via Mission Shakti) while championing responsible behavior codes at multilateral forums like the UN General Assembly (UNGA First Committee).

As humanity enters an era of multi-polar orbital dynamics, outer space must be preserved as an indivisible global commons. Unchecked militarization serves no power long-term; rather, collective security requires a fine balance between technological self-reliance and binding cooperative multilateralism.

4. Value Addition Box (Schemes, Data & Committees)

Category Key Frameworks / Treaties / Initiatives Strategic Relevance for UPSC
International Treaties Outer Space Treaty (1967), Liability Convention (1972), Registration Convention (1975) Foundational legal architecture; highlights current gaps regarding non-WMD space weapons.
UN & Global Initiatives UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Reducing Space Threats; PAROS resolutions. Recent multilateral attempts to forge norms of responsible behaviors.
Indian Policy Posture Indian Space Policy 2023, Mission Shakti (Anti-Satellite Test, 2019), Defence Space Agency (DSA). Demonstrates India's balancing act between active deterrence and advocacy for peaceful use of outer space.

๐Ÿ›️ Official Government & Policy Updates (PIB Gazette Connect)

Key national initiatives, Cabinet & Ministry releases aligned with GS-2 and GS-3:

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