India’s swift progress in space exploration and satellite launches has established the country as a significant contender in the global space race. As the Indian Space Research Organisation broadens its activities, the buildup of inactive satellites, spent rocket stages, and other pieces of space junk is becoming increasingly concerning. This problem has been influenced by a mix of ambitious space missions, changing policies, and international regulations to ensure orbital sustainability.
Space debris consists of non-functional human-made objects orbiting Earth, such as inactive satellites, discarded rocket parts, and fragments resulting from collisions. With the growth of space activities, the concentration of debris in Low Earth Orbit has risen sharply, creating risks for operational satellites and space missions. India, which has launched hundreds of satellites since its initial venture into space in 1975 with Aryabhata, is now facing the repercussions of its expanding presence in space.
One of the major factors contributing to India’s space debris issue is the rapid satellite launch schedule implemented by ISRO. The agency has launched over 400 satellites, many of which are in low Earth orbit (LEO). Furthermore, India has carried out missions that have unintentionally added to the space debris problem. The most debated incident was the 2019 Anti-Satellite missile test, known as Mission Shakti. In this test, India successfully destroyed a satellite in low orbit, showcasing its defence capabilities in space. However, this action resulted in hundreds of debris fragments, some of which lingered in orbit for months, sparking international concerns about space sustainability and safety.
India has recognized the escalating issue of space debris and is taking measures to lessen its effects. ISRO adheres to the guidelines established by international organizations like the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee. These agencies advocate for efficient practices in debris mitigation in space, which include strategies for avoiding debris and particles from collisions. However, even despite these initiatives, the absence of legal global regulations complicates the enforcement of strict protocols.
India has been actively developing policies to promote space sustainability. The draft of the 2022 Indian Space Policy, which is currently under review, highlights the importance of responsible space exploration and effective debris management. This policy seeks to create frameworks that support the growing role of the private sector in India’s space industry. The increase in private satellite launches adds complexity to debris management, as various entities operate in space with differing levels of compliance. One of the significant challenges in managing space debris is the tracking and monitoring of objects in orbit. Although ISRO has established its Space Situational Awareness capabilities through the Directorate of Space Situational Awareness and Management, India still depends on international partnerships for thorough debris tracking. The United States Space Surveillance Network offers crucial data on space debris, but India is also focused on improving its independent tracking abilities.
Efforts to tackle space debris also include improvements in satellite and launch vehicle design. ISRO is integrating de-orbiting mechanisms in its newer satellites to ensure they are safely removed from orbit once their operational life ends. Furthermore, the space agency is looking into Reusable Launch Vehicles, which could greatly decrease the number of discarded rocket parts in orbit. These initiatives are in line with global movements toward sustainable space exploration, where countries are actively working on debris removal technologies like robotic arms, harpoons, and nets to clean up space junk. India participates in discussions regarding space debris management. Platforms such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the IADC allow India to collaborate with other nations on the topic of space debris. India has also entered into agreements with space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency to exchange data and strategies for reducing orbital debris.
Looking forward, India should keep investing in Space Situational Awareness capabilities, implement stricter debris mitigation policies for both government and private sectors, and engage in international efforts to promote space sustainability. Space debris is a global challenge, not just an Indian one, necessitating collaborative actions to ensure the long-term viability of activities in outer space. By taking proactive steps, India can make sure that its contributions to space exploration do not compromise orbital sustainability, paving the way for a safer and cleaner space environment for future generations.
Written by Ratisha Khare
