For decades, space has been seen as the final frontier, a vast expanse to be explored and studied. However, as human activity in space increases, so does the amount of debris left behind. This “space junk” poses various hazards to operational satellites and future missions. Recognizing this, numerous initiatives have been launched worldwide, including in India, to mitigate these risks.
Understanding Space Debris
Space debris refers to defunct man-made objects orbiting the Earth. These include spent rocket stages, fragments from collisions or events, and non-functioning satellites. According to recent government data, there are 111 payloads and 105 pieces of space debris identified as Indian objects orbiting Earth. With growing concerns about this issue, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has undertaken several studies examining the impact of the increasing space debris on the space environment.
Potential Threats Posed by Space Debris
The primary concern surrounding space debris is the potential hazard it presents to operational satellites. Collisions with this debris can render these satellites dysfunctional. This phenomenon, known as the Kessler Syndrome, refers to the overpopulation of space with objects and debris. Additionally, the accumulation of space debris in certain orbital regions can reduce the number of available desirable slots for future missions. Furthermore, tracking and predicting the orbits of objects in space becomes challenging due to the increasing amount of space debris, complicating the task of satellite operators and space agencies.
Efforts to Reduce Space Debris
Both at domestic and international levels, measures have been introduced to address the issue of space debris. In 2022, ISRO established the System for Safe and Sustainable Operations Management (IS 4 OM) to continuously monitor potentially harmful objects, anticipate the development of space debris, and minimize the risk associated with it. For instance, ISRO conducted 21 collision avoidance maneuvers in 2022 to prevent its space assets from colliding with other space objects. Additionally, ISRO launched ‘Project NETRA’, an early warning system aimed at detecting space debris and other threats to Indian satellites.
On a global scale, the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) was formed in 1993 to coordinate efforts among spacefaring nations to tackle space debris. The United Nations established the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to devise guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, including debris mitigation. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency (ESA) began the Clean Space initiative aimed at reducing space debris and promoting sustainable space activities.
Looking Ahead: Measures to Tackle Space Debris
Given the growing risks associated with space debris, improving our ability to track and monitor these objects is paramount. This will help in safeguarding operational satellites and human space missions. The use of reusable launch vehicles instead of single-use rockets can also help reduce the quantity of new debris resulting from launches. Lastly, using more durable materials and designing satellites for eventual de-orbiting can lessen the number of debris generated in the long term.
As we continue to develop and expand our activities in space, it is critical to address the issue of space debris proactively. With collaborative measures and forward-thinking strategies, we can ensure that space remains a viable environment for exploration and progress.