February 13, 2025

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.
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