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.