Swachh Space Initiative: ISRO Sets 2030 Target to Clean Orbital Trash
Swachh Space, an initiative of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will see ISRO working towards addressing the problem of space debris. The goal of the project is to ensure that ISRO’s missions are devoid of space debris by 2030.
This development follows increasing number of satellite launches that put more pressure on the orbital environment of the earth. Decommissioned satellites, remnants of rockets and debris from space collisions pose threat to spacecraft and future launches.
What Is ISRO’s Swachh Space Initiative?
The efforts of ISRO towards space sustainability consist of avoiding creation of any more debris and managing the risk factors of already present space debris. In order to ensure that none of its space launches will result in creation of any debris after completion of their mission cycle, the organisation is making efforts in this direction.
The steps taken by ISRO include controlled re-entry of spent rocket stages, passivation of upper stages of launch vehicles and disposal orbits for satellites at the end of their mission.
Passivation refers to the removal of all stored energy sources like fuel or pressurized gases from any equipment so that the risk of any explosion and creation of more debris is minimized.
ISRO is monitoring the objects in space using its space situational awareness facility.
Why Is Space Debris a Growing Concern?
Space debris refers to objects such as defunct satellites, abandoned parts of rockets and fragments resulting from collisions and explosions. Such objects can result in a great deal of harm since they are moving at very high velocities.
A collision with even a small fragment will affect the instruments of a satellite, hinder communication or jeopardize crewed space missions.
With satellites increasingly being used for navigation, meteorology, communications and security reasons, space safety is gaining more importance in space agencies.
India’s Progress Towards Sustainable Space Missions
There have been some initiatives by ISRO towards mitigating the amount of orbital debris caused by it. These include controlled de-orbiting of space crafts and collision avoidance measures as well as adherence to post-mission disposal techniques by satellites.
Some of the technologies developed by ISRO in terms of space debris management include development of robotic systems for debris capture and de-orbiting of inactive satellites.
These initiatives from India are inline with the global debate on responsible use of space.
What Does the 2030 Target Mean?
The aim for 2030 emphasizes the country’s effort to establish itself as a responsible actor in space and limit the amount of debris that it generates through its space programs.
With more and more space getting filled up with space debris, it has become imperative to prevent the generation of any further debris in order to preserve space for posterity.
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