Current Context : Japanese startup Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of laser-equipped satellites aimed at mitigating space debris.
Objectives:
- De-orbiting Defunct Satellites: Utilizing laser technology to remove inactive satellites from orbit.
- Extending Spacecraft Lifespan: Providing in-space services to prolong the operational life of active satellites.
About Space Debris:
- Space debris encompasses all non-functional, human-made objects in Earth’s orbit, including defunct satellites and fragments from disintegration.
- Current Statistics: Of the 35,150 tracked objects in orbit, only about 25% are operational satellites.
Global Initiatives to Mitigate Space Debris:
- RemoveDEBRIS Mission: Demonstrates active debris removal (ADR).
- LignoSat: A wooden satellite to reduce space debris.
- UN Liability Convention (1972): Deals with damage caused by space objects.
- UN Registration Convention (1976): Requires registration of space objects.
India’s Initiatives:
- Project NETRA (Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis) : Tracks space debris to protect Indian space assets.
- Goal for debris-free space missions by 2030.