Warning: Your satellite is about to be hit by debris in space
The year 2025 witnessed the highest number of launches since the beginning of the space age, adding to the congestion in space
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Context
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) received over 1.5 lakh collision alerts for its satellites in 2025, according to the newly released (ISSAR 2025). To safeguard its orbital assets, ISRO executed 18 Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAMs), including a critical diversion for the joint NASA-ISRO NISAR mission, highlighting the alarming congestion of near-Earth space.
UPSC Perspectives
Science & Technology
The exponential rise in space debris (defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments) poses a severe threat known as the Kessler Syndrome—a theoretical scenario where cascading collisions generate so much debris that certain orbits become entirely unusable. To counter this, India relies on the (IS4OM), which acts as the nodal center for space domain awareness, alongside (an early warning network of radars and telescopes). The news highlights that navigating low earth orbit now requires active intervention; ISRO had to perform 14 CAMs for LEO satellites, including a 'Risk Mitigation Maneuver' to protect (a high-value Earth-observing radar satellite). UPSC often tests candidates on ISRO's indigenous tracking capabilities and the mechanics of orbital protection.
Global Governance
Outer space is a global commons, making space traffic management an inherently international issue. The alerts received by ISRO were generated by the US Space Command, underscoring the necessity of cross-border data sharing for Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Globally, space sustainability is guided by the (UN-COPUOS) and the (IADC). India has been actively shaping these norms and recently pledged to achieve a (DFSM) by 2030, meaning all Indian space actors must ensure zero debris creation. Aspirants should link these technical reports to India's growing diplomatic posture as a responsible, rule-abiding space power.
Economic
The economic ramifications of a congested orbital environment are profound. Every Collision Avoidance Manoeuvre consumes precious onboard chemical propellants. Since a satellite's operational lifespan is strictly dictated by its fuel reserves, forced maneuvers prematurely retire expensive space assets, causing massive financial losses for operators. Furthermore, with the rapid deployment of mega-constellations (like Starlink and Kuiper) by private entities, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is becoming heavily commercialized. If space debris is not mitigated through Active Debris Removal (ADR) technologies, the insurance premiums for space launches will skyrocket, and the global space economy—which underpins modern telecommunications, weather forecasting, and GPS—could face catastrophic disruptions.