28 Mar Astroscale Japan Partners with India’s Digantara & Bellatrix Aerospace to Tackle Space Debris
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic of Astroscale Japan Partners with India’s Digantara & Bellatrix Aerospace to Tackle Space Debris
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-3-Science and Technology-Astroscale Japan Partners with India’s Digantara & Bellatrix Aerospace to Tackle Space Debris
FOR PRELIMS
What is space debris? Which Indian initiative tracks space debris?
FOR MAINS
What is the Kessler Syndrome, and why is it a threat to space activities?
Why in the News?
Japan’s Astroscale, a leading space debris removal firm, has partnered with Bengaluru-based Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace to develop orbital servicing solutions for India. The collaboration aims to provide on-orbit services for Indian government clients within the next 1-2 years, marking Astroscale’s first major operation in the Asia-Pacific beyond Japan. India’s space sector liberalization and growing private participation have made it an attractive market for Astroscale, which is also exploring opportunities in South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Australia. The partnership aligns with India’s push for space situational awareness and satellite servicing, as the risk of orbital collisions is projected to exceed $500 million over the next five years. This move reflects increasing India-Japan space collaboration, with other tie-ups like ispace-Skyroot and Orbital Lasers-InspeCity. The two governments are set to hold their third “space dialogue” in Tokyo soon, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
What is space debris?
Space debris, also known as orbital debris or space junk, refers to non-functional, human-made objects left behind in Earth’s orbit. These include defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, fragments from collisions or explosions, and even lost tools from space missions. As these objects travel at extremely high speeds—often exceeding 28,000 km/h—they pose a significant risk to active satellites, space stations, and future space missions. The accumulation of debris increases the chances of collisions, potentially triggering the Kessler Syndrome, where cascading collisions create even more fragments, making Earth’s orbit dangerously cluttered. Managing space debris is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of space exploration, with efforts focusing on debris tracking, removal missions, and better satellite disposal strategies.
Status of space debris
Space debris has become a growing challenge due to the increasing number of satellites and space missions. According to NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), there are over 36,000 tracked pieces of debris larger than 10 cm, 1 million pieces between 1-10 cm, and more than 130 million tiny fragments (smaller than 1 cm) orbiting Earth at high speeds.
Key Concerns:
1. Rising Satellite Launches: With thousands of satellites launched for communication, navigation, and Earth observation, space congestion is increasing.
2. Kessler Syndrome Risk: The risk of cascading collisions is growing, which could make certain orbits unusable.
3. Danger to Active Satellites & ISS: Space debris poses a constant threat to operational spacecraft, including the International Space Station (ISS) and commercial satellites.
4. Space Debris Management Efforts: Organizations like NASA, ESA, and private companies (e.g., Astroscale, ClearSpace-1) are developing debris removal and tracking technologies.
Impact of space debris
1. Threat to Satellites & Spacecraft
Collisions & Damage: Even small debris travelling at 28,000 km/h can disable or destroy satellites.
Operational Disruptions: Damage to solar panels, antennas, and critical systems leads to malfunctions or failure.
Rising Costs: Frequent avoidance maneuvers, repairs, and replacements increase operational expenses.
2. Risk to Space Missions & Astronauts
ISS & Crew Safety: The International Space Station (ISS) faces collision threats, forcing astronauts to take emergency measures.
Spacewalk Hazards: Floating debris can puncture astronaut suits and spacecraft, posing life-threatening risks.
3. Disruptions to Global Services
Loss of Communication & Navigation: Damaged satellites affect the internet, GPS, weather forecasting, and Earth monitoring.
Economic Impact: Industries like finance, transport, and agriculture suffer due to satellite failures.
Scientific Setbacks: Disruptions hinder climate research, disaster response, and space exploration.
4. Environmental & Long-Term Dangers
Kessler Syndrome: A chain reaction of collisions could make orbits unusable, threatening future missions.
Re-entry Hazards: Large debris can survive atmospheric re-entry, posing risks on Earth.
Light & Space Pollution: Rising debris levels disrupt astronomy and contaminate space.
Various international missions to control space debris
| Category | Mission/Initiative | Country/Agency | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Debris Removal (ADR) | ELSA-d | Astroscale (Japan) | Demonstrated satellite docking and debris removal. |
| ClearSpace-1 (2026) | ESA (Europe) | Plans to capture and deorbit defunct satellites. | |
| RemoveDEBRIS (2018) | UK/Surrey Space Centre | Tested debris capture using a net and harpoon system. | |
| Space Surveillance & Tracking | Orbital Debris Program | NASA (USA) | Monitors and models space debris risks. |
| US Space Surveillance Network (SSN) | US DoD | Tracks over 36,000 objects in orbit. | |
| ESA Space Debris Office | ESA (Europe) | Develops tracking and mitigation strategies. | |
| Global Guidelines & Regulations | UN COPUOS | United Nations | Sets international guidelines for debris mitigation. |
| IADC | Multi-agency (NASA, ESA, ISRO, etc.) | Coordinates global space debris management. | |
| FCC Regulations | USA | Enforces satellite deorbiting rules for commercial launches. | |
| Future Technologies & Research | Electrodynamic Tether | JAXA (Japan) | Uses a tether to drag debris into Earth’s atmosphere. |
| Laser-Based Systems | ESA (Europe) | Researching laser nudging to move debris. | |
| Indian Space Debris Management | ISRO, Digantara, Bellatrix (India) | Developing debris tracking and removal solutions. |
India and Space debris
1. NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis): ISRO’s initiative to monitor space debris and protect Indian satellites from potential collisions.
2. Project Kessler by Digantara: A space situational awareness (SSA) program to track and analyze orbital debris, improving collision predictions.
3. Bellatrix Aerospace’s Propulsion Systems: Developing advanced electric and green propulsion systems to extend satellite lifespan and reduce space junk.
4. ISRO’s Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines: Implementing policies on post-mission disposal, collision avoidance, and sustainable satellite operations.
5. India-Japan Collaboration with Astroscale: Partnering with Japanese firm Astroscale for future active debris removal (ADR) missions.
6. International Cooperation (IADC Membership): India is part of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), working with global agencies to improve debris management.
What are the ways to reduce and control?
1. Designing Debris-Free Satellites: Satellites and rockets should be designed for safe deorbiting at the end of their mission to prevent the accumulation of junk.
2. Controlled Deorbiting & Disposal: Defunct satellites can be directed to either burn up in Earth’s atmosphere or move to a “graveyard orbit” away from active space zones.
3. Reducing Explosions & Collisions: Proper fuel venting, battery passivation, and structural reinforcements can prevent accidental breakups of defunct space objects.
4. Active Debris Removal (ADR) Technologies:
Robotic Arms & Nets: Capturing and removing large debris pieces.
Electrodynamic Tethers: Dragging debris into Earth’s atmosphere for safe disposal.
Laser-Based Systems: Using ground-based or space-based lasers to push debris out of critical orbits.
5. Space Situational Awareness (SSA) & Tracking: Advanced radars and AI-powered monitoring systems help predict and prevent satellite collisions.
6. International Regulations & Cooperation
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines: Encouraging responsible space behaviour.
IADC (Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee): Coordinating global debris control efforts.
National Policies (ISRO, NASA, ESA, etc.): Implementing strict deorbiting and disposal laws for new launches.
7. Sustainable Space Practices
Reusable Rockets & Satellites: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and ISRO’s RLV-TD reduce debris generation.
Green Propulsion Technologies: Using efficient propulsion systems to minimize satellite failures and unnecessary launches.
Conclusion
The growing challenge of space debris requires immediate and sustained global efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities. Nations and private companies must work together to implement effective mitigation strategies, such as active debris removal, responsible satellite disposal, and advanced tracking systems. India’s increasing role in space debris management, through initiatives like NETRA, Digantara, and international collaborations with Japan’s Astroscale, reflects its commitment to space sustainability. Strengthening global policies, enforcing stricter regulations, and investing in cutting-edge technologies will be essential in preserving Earth’s orbit for future generations and safeguarding critical space infrastructure.
Prelims Questions
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Space Debris:
1. Space debris consists only of defunct satellites.
2. The Kessler Syndrome refers to the increasing number of new satellites launched into orbit.
3. India’s NETRA project aims to track space debris and protect Indian satellites.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: C
Mains Questions
Q. Analyze the growing challenge of space debris and its implications for global space security. Discuss India’s initiatives in space debris management and suggest strategies for effective mitigation.
(250 words, 15 marks)
No Comments