India is stepping up its efforts to emerge as a key player in Space Situational Awareness (SSA) with the first commercial SSA observatory in the country. The new observatory, to be set up in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand by Bengaluru-based start-up Digantara, aims to monitor global space traffic and track activity in space including that of space debris and military satellites. This development further solidifies India’s position as a significant player in the space industry.
About Space Debris
Space debris, also termed as space junk, consists of defunct objects in space such as spent rocket stages, dead satellites, and fragments from Anti-Satellite (ASAT) systems. These objects orbit the earth at a speed of 27,000 kmph, threatening operational satellites and leading to catastrophic collisions that could result in further generation of space debris. The escalating presence of space debris could potentially create a domino effect, making Earth’s orbit unusable.
India’s Current SSA Capability
SSA encompasses keeping track of objects in orbit and predicting their movement. India tracks man-made objects, monitors space weather, and keeps track of near-earth natural space objects. At present, India relies on a Multi-Object Tracking Radar at Sriharikota range in Andhra Pradesh and data from North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). However, these resources provide limited and imprecise information. To address this, initiatives such as Project NETRA and the Clearspace-1 mission are being undertaken.
Project NETRA and Clearspace-1 Missions
Project NETRA (Network for space object Tracking and Analysis) is aimed at establishing an early warning system in space to detect space debris and other threats to Indian satellites. The project aims to enhance India’s SSA capabilities. The Clearspace-1 mission, a global initiative by the European Space Agency, aims to eliminate debris from orbit and is scheduled for launch in 2025.
Significance of the Upcoming SSA Observatory
The upcoming SSA observatory plays a key role in enhancing India’s capabilities in the space sector. Its ability to track objects as small as 10cm would reduce potential collisions between satellites and other spacecraft by providing more accurate predictions. It will also assist in identifying pre-existing Resident Space Objects (RSO) and supplement global networks of SSA sensors. The observatory would not only fill a data gap between Australia and southern Africa but also serve as a crucial data source for global space traffic management operations.
Impact on India’s Space Power Status
The new observatory could be instrumental in enhancing indigenous capabilities, contributing to the development of critical technology and infrastructure necessary for competing on the global stage. It will further lead to the creation of a hybrid data pool that will serve both the commercial and the defence sectors of the space industry. Additionally, it will play a vital role in monitoring space activities over the Indian subcontinent, providing real-time data essential to safeguarding Indian assets.
