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OPINION MAY 10, 2024 | The Indian Eye 10

Mapping India’s Path:

Pioneering a Space Future

Free from Debris

KESHAV VERMA

ecently, the Director of the
Indian Space Research Or-
Rganization announced the
aim to eliminate debris from all In-
dian Space Missions by 2030, gov-
ernmental or non-governmental. In-
dia’s move has drawn attention from
across the globe as it would allow it
to expand its space diplomacy and
take a leading position in space gov-
ernance. This article describes how
India is tackling the debris problem
and why it is essential for the safety of
the space environment both present
and future generations.

WHAT IS SPACE DEBRIS?
pace debris, a trace of human
activity in space, constitutes a
Ssevere danger to the space en-
vironment. The possibility of collision
of millions of fragments around the
earth threatens operational satellites,
spacecraft, and potentially human
lives. Even the most minor debris can
cause massive damage when it crash-
es into anything, disrupting essential
functions such as communication and
weather forecasting. Project NETRA is the first Indian effort to create a timely warning system for space debris and related dangers its satellites face (File photo: Isro)
The exponential increase in
space debris puts long-term space and collaboration between the Indian probability of successful post-mission ing its proactive approach towards
activities and future exploration mis- government and private companies disposal through specific measures dealing with the increasing difficulties
sions at risk. Accidents such as Kos- put India at a vantage point to make taken to enhance the safety of human of conducting activities in space due
mos 1275, Kosmos 2143, or Kosmos crucial steps in reducing the hazards beings during space travel. Further- to crowding in orbit and the spread of
2145 have shown that it is necessary associated with space debris and pro- more, this initiative focuses on part- debris. Moreover, this multifunction-
to reduce space debris and have led tecting its space assets for posterity. nerships across borders while also al center also mirrors worldwide at-
to greater emphasis on its tracking, Following are the initiatives of India building capacity for tracking objects tempts to improve knowledge about
reduction, and disposal operations. in the management of space debris: in space and supporting investiga- what is happening in space and pro-
As human presence in space contin- tions to maintain sustainability over mote cooperation between countries
ues to grow, effective management DEBRIS FREE SPACE MISSION long periods. in caring for global space resources
of space junk becomes crucial in en- 2030 on earth.
hancing the safety and continuity of his comprehensive effort in- SPACE SITUATIONAL The ISRO Space Situational
services in outer space. AWARENESS CONTROL Awareness and Object Management
volves careful planning and CENTRE (IS4OM) system is a complex infra-
INDIA’S INITIATIVES Texecution of missions, there- structure created to detect and track
by mitigating space debris arising he Space Situational Aware-
ndia’s space debris management from the operations of satellites and ness Control Centre (SSACC) orbital debris.
This framework dramatically
initiatives showcase its dedica- launch vehicles and during their Tsafeguards and manages In-
Ition towards the safety and sus- post-mission disposal. It emphases dia’s space domain. It is the nucleus improves satellite systems’ resilience
and shows India’s commitment to
tainability of space activities. The collision avoidance and deliberate of India’s broader strategy for space
application of modern technology disintegration while ensuring a high resilience and sustainability, affirm- Continued on next page... >>

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