The satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (less than 2000 km altitude) are more vulnerable to collision risks due to denser space object population in this region. 20 active Indian satellites in LEO, out of total 22 active satellites, are at higher risks.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) executed 20 Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAMs) in year 2025 and till date 9 in year 2026.

The “Policy framework and guidelines addressing State’s Liability towards third party damages arising due to Indian Space Objects” formulated by IN-SPACe addressing the liability & insurance aspects, is presently under consideration.

India is an active participant in international cooperation frameworks on space debris management, such as the Inter-Agency Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), United Nations Working Group on Long Term Sustainability (UN-LTS), Expert Group of Space Situation Awareness (SSA), International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Space Traffic Management (STM) Working Group (WG),  International Astronautical Federation (IAF) space debris WG, which are involved in technical and policy related deliberations for space debris mitigation.

ISRO has contributed substantially to the revised IADC space debris mitigation guidelines and provided inputs based on technical studies. As part of commitment to mitigate space debris, India’s intent for Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) initiative has been announced in 2024. ISRO aims to achieve the goal of zero debris by all Indian actors, government as well as private, in the foreseeable future.

Currently the multi-object tracking radar (MOTR) at Sriharikota is capable of tracking large objects in Low earth Orbit and has been utilised to track objects. The upcoming optical telescope at Hanle (Ladakh) under the Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) project is nearing completion and will be capable of tracking objects of size 30 cm or bigger at GEO altitude.

Biomedical and Life Support Systems are among other major technologies being developed for the first time for the Human Spaceflight Programme requirements. These technologies are under various phases of development and ground testing. Further, these technologies will be validated through various Gaganyaan Missions. Subsequent to successful demonstration of new technologies for Human Spaceflight Missions, identified technologies can be considered for societal applications.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State PMO; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Atomic Energy, Space Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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NKR/AK 

 

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