The Growing Concerns over Space Debris

• The ever-increasing amount of space debris in Earth’s orbit poses a significant threat to operational satellites and ongoing space missions.
• Space debris includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from past collisions and explosions, which can travel at speeds of up to 28,000 km/h.
• This debris can damage or destroy active satellites and spacecraft, posing a grave risk to critical infrastructure and communication networks that rely on these assets.

Recent Examples Highlighting the Risks of Space Debris

• In 2021, a chunk of a Chinese rocket weighing several tons re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere in an uncontrolled manner, raising concerns about the potential impact of such large debris on populated areas.
• In 2022, the International Space Station was forced to perform an evasive maneuver to avoid collision with a piece of space debris, underscoring the immediate threats faced by operational missions.
• The Hubble Space Telescope has also had to adjust its orientation multiple times to avoid collisions with debris, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.

International Efforts to Mitigate the Risks of Space Debris

• International organizations, such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), have established guidelines and best practices for the mitigation of space debris.
• Space agencies worldwide, including NASA, ESA, and JAXA, have implemented debris monitoring and tracking systems to better understand the extent of the problem and predict potential collision risks.
• There are also ongoing efforts to develop active debris removal technologies, such as net-capturing, harpoon, and robotic arm systems, to physically remove large pieces of debris from orbit.
• International cooperation is crucial in addressing this global challenge, as it requires coordinated efforts in data sharing, technology development, and policy harmonization.

The Way Forward: Sustainable Space Exploration

• Responsible space operations and debris mitigation must be a priority for all space-faring nations and private companies to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities.
• Measures such as post-mission disposal of satellites, design considerations to minimize debris generation, and active debris removal initiatives need to be further strengthened and implemented universally.
• Ultimately, the protection of the space environment is essential for the continued success of future space missions and the uninterrupted operation of critical space-based infrastructure.

By addressing the growing concerns over space debris through international cooperation and coordinated efforts, UPSC Mains aspirants can demonstrate their understanding of this pressing issue and its implications for the future of space exploration and utilization.