ISRO acknowledged 129 trackable pieces of Indian space debris and introduced the Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) to address collision risks and orbital sustainability
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
ISRO acknowledged 129 trackable pieces of Indian space debris and introduced the Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) to address collision risks and orbital sustainability.
Background
ISRO identified 129 trackable pieces of Indian space junk, including inactive satellites and rocket bodies from PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3 launches. The Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) was launched in 2024 to design satellites for safe deorbiting.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TDFSM: Debris Free Space Mission launched by ISRO in 2024 to reduce future space debris.
- FactISRO identified 129 trackable pieces of Indian space debris orbiting Earth.
- S&TProject Netra: An ISRO initiative to monitor space objects and provide collision alerts.
- S&TSpace debris sources: Includes inactive satellites, rocket bodies, and fragments from PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3 launches.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges of space debris management and the importance of international cooperation in ensuring the long-term sustainability of orbital space.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory vacuum: Lack of binding international treaties on mandatory deorbiting protocols for defunct satellites
- Technical bottleneck: High-speed orbital mechanics making collision avoidance computationally complex for small debris
- Economic trade-off: Balancing the cost of debris-mitigation technologies against the commercial viability of satellite launches
Keywords: Space Sustainability · Orbital Debris · Deorbiting Protocols · Space Situational Awareness · Space Governance
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