Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) To Step Up Tracking Of Space Debris.

Why in news?

• ISRO is building up an orbital debris tracking capability under the ‘network for space objects tracking and analysis (NETRA)’ project which is an early warning system to detect debris and other hazards to Indian satellites.
• At present, we have a Multi Object Tracking Radar at Sriharikota range, but it has a limited range.
• A space debris tracking radar with a range of 1,500 km and an optical telescope will be inducted.
• The radar, which will be capable of detecting and tracking objects 10 cm and above in size. It will be indigenously designed and built.
• Space Debris is any piece of machinery or debris left by humans in space—principally in Earth orbit. These include dead satellites, fragments of rocket bodies and spacecraft etc.
• Currently, an estimated 20,000 objects including satellites and space debris are crowding low-Earth orbit.
• It can be a hazard to active satellites and spacecraft; Potential collision threat to space station; Earth orbit could even become Impassable if the risk of collision grows too high.
• Radars and optical telescopes are vital ground-based facilities for keeping an eye on space objects, including orbital junk.