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According to a report by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), there are 27,000 recorded space entities, with 80% of them classified as space debris. The increasing number of small, uncatalogued space objects poses a significant threat to space assets. Anti-satellite tests conducted by China, the US, India, and Russia have further compounded the challenge.

Recently, India successfully launched its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). However, there were pre-launch uncertainties due to traffic congestion in space above Sriharikota, causing a one-minute delay. This incident highlights the overcrowding of satellites at the 500 km plus orbit.

In a unique experiment during the launch, the fourth stage of the PSLV was intentionally maneuvered from an altitude of 536 km to a 300 km orbit through precise maneuvers. This experiment was part of ISRO’s voluntary initiative called ‘Swachh Antriksh Abhiyan’ or the keep space clean endeavor, aimed at reducing space debris. By reentering Earth and burning out in 30 days, instead of lasting 18 years in the higher orbit, the maneuver helped in reducing debris.

India has also successfully conducted controlled deorbiting of non-functional satellites to prevent the accumulation of space debris. The distribution of space entities shows that the United States, Russia, and China contribute to a large share of space debris, whereas India’s contribution is minimal, comprising just 0.8% of the overall global space debris.

ISRO acknowledges the importance of safeguarding its space assets from intentional and accidental close approaches by space objects. Currently, ISRO has 52 functioning satellites, six non-operational satellites, and 105 fragments of space debris of Indian origin in orbit.

Efforts to address the issue of space debris are crucial to ensure the sustainability of space activities. International collaboration and initiatives, like ISRO’s ‘Swachh Antriksh Abhiyan,’ play a significant role in reducing space debris and preserving the future of space exploration.

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