ISRO’s ‘zero orbital debris’ milestone
Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a remarkable feat with its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission, leaving virtually zero debris in Earth’s orbit.
- This achievement marks a significant step forward in addressing the growing concern of space debris, a pressing issue as the number of satellites in orbit continues to rise.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Science and technology)
Facts for Prelims:
- Zeroing in on Space Debris: Zero orbital debris refers to the aspiration of having no space debris or space junk, which poses significant challenges but is essential for ensuring the sustainability of future space endeavors.
- Understanding Orbital Debris: Orbital debris, comprising defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions, presents a growing threat to operational satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), and upcoming space missions.
Dimensions of the Article:
- Background
- Importance of cleaning the Earth’s Orbit
- How It Was Achieved
- Strategies for Achieving Zero Orbital Debris
- Challenges and Global Efforts
Background:
- As the number of satellites in Earth’s orbit increases, so does the risk of space debris. These debris, which include defunct satellites, fragments of spacecraft, and remnants from anti-satellite missile tests, pose a significant threat to space assets due to their high speeds and sheer volume.
- The low Earth orbit (LEO), extending from 100 km to 2000 km above the Earth’s surface, is particularly vulnerable, housing vital satellites for communication, navigation, and intelligence.
Importance of cleaning the Earth’s Orbit:
- ISRO’s successful mission to minimize debris in Earth’s orbit is crucial for safeguarding space assets and preventing potential collisions.
- With over 2,500 objects launched into space in 2022 alone, the need to address space debris has never been more pressing.
- Failure to mitigate this issue could lead to catastrophic consequences, including the creation of unusable regions in orbit and the risk of cascading collisions.
How It Was Achieved:
- ISRO’s innovative approach involved repurposing the last stage of the PSLV rocket into a kind of orbital station known as the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3). This stage, after completing its primary mission of deploying satellites into their target orbits, was transformed into POEM-3 and lowered to a lower orbit of 350 km.
- By reducing its altitude, the stage became more susceptible to atmospheric drag, eventually leading to its controlled re-entry and incineration.
Strategies for Achieving Zero Orbital Debris:
- Mitigation Measures: Strategies include reducing debris during launch, disposing of satellites post-mission, and passivating components to prevent explosions.
- Active Debris Removal (ADR): Technologies such as robotic systems, lasers, and electrodynamic tethers are explored to capture and deorbit large debris objects.
- International Collaboration and Regulation: Global standards, space traffic management, and legal frameworks are crucial for preventing new debris and managing existing ones.
Challenges and Global Efforts:
- Technical, financial, legal, and political challenges hinder progress towards zero orbital debris.
- However, initiatives by agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA aim to mitigate these challenges through updated mitigation requirements, improved orbital clearance, and research on debris tracking and removal.
Conclusion:
ISRO’s successful mission highlights the importance of proactive measures to mitigate space debris. International cooperation and adherence to established guidelines, such as the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines, are essential for addressing this global challenge. Additionally, continued research and innovation, as demonstrated by ISRO’s POEM initiative, are vital for developing sustainable solutions to safeguard Earth’s orbit for future generations.
Source: The Hindu
