The growing number of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is creating new challenges for space safety, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) taking steps to address the increasing risk of space debris.
Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, said in a reply in the Rajya Sabha on August 13 that ISRO is closely monitoring the issue of large LEO satellite constellations and satellite internet constellations.
According to the Minister, the proliferation of these satellite constellations can contribute to the accumulation of space debris. ISRO is taking steps for its mitigation and prevention.
The issue is becoming increasingly important as satellite-based internet services rely on large numbers of satellites operating in orbital regions around their respective orbital shells.
Thousands of Satellites Increase Collision Risks
Dr Jitendra Singh said satellite constellations used for internet connectivity typically consist of a few thousand satellites.
The presence of such large numbers of satellites in orbit increases the risk of collisions. Many large constellations have autonomous collision avoidance capabilities. However, some satellites can fail while in orbit and may no longer be capable of manoeuvring to avoid a collision.
This creates an additional challenge for space operators.
The Minister also highlighted the risk posed by small pieces of debris that cannot be tracked effectively. Such untrackable debris cannot always be avoided through collision avoidance systems.
At the same time, satellites cannot simply be protected against every possible impact.
An impact involving small debris can cause mission-ending damage and make a satellite non-functional. It can also generate additional debris, increasing the risk for other objects operating in the same orbital region.
Fragmentation Events Can Make the Problem Worse
The risks can become more serious if a satellite breaks apart in an orbital region containing many other spacecraft.
Dr Jitendra Singh said fragmentation events can result from collisions or accidental break-ups. If such an event occurs near a populated orbital shell, it could further increase the risks associated with space debris.
With a growing number of satellites operating in orbit, preventing the creation of additional debris has therefore become an important part of maintaining the safety of space operations.
ISRO’s Debris Free Space Mission
ISRO’s Debris Free Space Mission is expected to play a key role in India’s efforts to limit the further generation of space debris.
The initiative includes measures such as Active Debris Removal (ADR) and other approaches aimed at addressing the debris problem.
Dr Jitendra Singh said wider implementation of internationally recognised space debris mitigation measures, along with better compliance with the requirements of the Debris Free Space Mission, will help safeguard space assets.
Active Debris Removal is also considered important in limiting the growth of space debris.
According to the Minister, activities that can serve as precursors to Active Debris Removal have already begun through on-orbit demonstrations. These activities are expected to develop further over time.
India’s Role in Global Space Debris Monitoring
India is also involved in international efforts to monitor and mitigate space debris.
The Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), established in 1993, is considered a recognised international body dealing with space debris monitoring and mitigation.
ISRO, under the Department of Space, has been a member of the IADC since 1996.
The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) also addresses issues related to space debris mitigation and the long-term sustainability of space activities.
India participates in international forums dealing with space debris. These include the IADC, the UN Scientific and Technical Subcommittee Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability and the Expert Group on Space Situational Awareness.
Members of the IADC regularly discuss space debris-related issues and revise mitigation guidelines in response to changes in the space environment.
Space debris monitoring and spaceflight safety are also discussed through international working groups focused on long-term sustainability and Space Situational Awareness.
End-of-Life Disposal of Satellites
Managing satellites after they complete their missions is another important part of space debris mitigation.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the Indian Space Policy requires the adoption of internationally recognised space debris mitigation guidelines. These include measures related to the end-of-life disposal of satellites.
The Debris Free Space Mission is described as a proactive step towards implementing such end-of-life disposal guidelines.
The Norms, Guidelines and Procedures released by IN-SPACe in 2024 also encourage Indian space actors to adopt suitable post-mission disposal measures.
These measures can include ensuring that space assets have a very limited orbital life through natural orbital decay.
Space Situational Awareness Is Crucial
Dr Jitendra Singh identified Space Situational Awareness (SSA) as one of the most important requirements for long-term space sustainability.
SSA involves monitoring space objects and understanding the conditions in which satellites and other objects are operating.
The Minister also highlighted the need for operators to meet technical requirements such as manoeuvrability and trackability.
Other basic requirements include registration and sharing points of contact. A strong regulatory framework is also important for maintaining safe and sustainable space operations.
International Cooperation and Indigenous Capabilities
India is also focusing on international cooperation and domestic capabilities to address the growing challenges associated with space debris.
Dr Jitendra Singh said international collaboration and data sharing are essential for comprehensive Space Situational Awareness and long-term sustainability.
At the same time, India plans to continue building indigenous capabilities for monitoring space objects.
Innovative measures and research and development will also be pursued to address emerging challenges.
The Minister stressed that awareness among space actors is equally important. He highlighted the need to recognise the fragility of usable regions of the space environment and to ensure that space activities remain sustainable over the long term.
As satellite constellations continue to expand, the challenge is not only to put more spacecraft into orbit but also to ensure that those orbital regions remain safe and usable. India’s efforts through the Debris Free Space Mission, Space Situational Awareness, international cooperation and indigenous monitoring capabilities are aimed at addressing that challenge.
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