India’s Space Debris Problem: Can We Keep Our Orbits Clean?

Imagine looking up at the night sky, expecting to see twinkling stars, only to realize that what you’re actually gazing at is junk —defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and thousands of shattered fragments drifting through space like cosmic litter.

This isn’t science fiction. In 2024 alone, more than 3,600 new pieces of space debris entered Earth's orbit, an alarming sign of an increasingly crowded celestial highway. The Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2024, released by ISRO, paints a sobering picture of the challenges ahead. 

The Growing Danger Above Us 

Image - NASA

From the ground, space seems limitless. But in reality, Earth’s orbits—especially Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO)—are running out of room. The past year saw 261 launch attempts, adding 2,578 new satellites, but also contributing significantly to the debris problem.

Some of this junk isn’t just floating harmlessly—it’s traveling at speeds 10 times faster than a bullet. Even a stray bolt from a shattered satellite can destroy an operational spacecraft upon impact.

Historical growth of space objects (data sourced from Space-Track)

 
And India isn’t just watching from the sidelines. The country had 22 active satellites in LEO and 31 in GEO by the end of 2024, making it critical for ISRO to protect its assets from collisions. 

The Space Junk Problem Hits Home 

ISRO’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) division faced 10 high-risk collision scenarios in 2024 alone, forcing last-minute orbital adjustments to prevent catastrophic crashes. In one instance, a weather satellite had to dodge debris from a Chinese rocket explosion—a tense reminder that no country is immune to the hazards of orbital debris.

And the problem isn’t just confined to satellites. Over 2,095 catalogued objects re-entered Earth's atmosphere, with 335 defunct Starlink satellites burning up on their way down.

The implications? While controlled de-orbiting ensures safe disposal, uncontrolled debris re-entries pose a potential risk to both infrastructure and human life.

A Case of Mistaken Identity in Bihar 

The space junk problem isn’t just affecting satellites—it’s also causing confusion on the ground. In Jayanagar, Bihar, residents were startled when they spotted drone-like luminous objects hovering in the night sky. 

Given the area’s proximity to the India-Nepal border, concerns about surveillance drones quickly spread.

However, after an investigation by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Indian Air Force, the mystery was solved—the objects weren’t drones at all. They were low-flying Starlink satellites, reflecting moonlight as they passed overhead. 

This incident highlights how satellite constellations are becoming increasingly visible, sometimes leading to mistaken sightings. With Starlink gearing up for its India launch, such sightings may become more common.

India’s Fight for a Debris-Free Space 

As space debris levels hit record highs, India is stepping up. ISRO’s roadmap for debris mitigation and sustainable space exploration includes:

• Collision Avoidance Alerts: A staggering 53,000 alerts were issued in 2024, warning satellite operators of potential crashes.
• Laser-Based Debris Removal: Plans are underway to zap hazardous debris out of orbit using ground-based laser systems.
• Post-Mission Disposal Regulations: New guidelines require satellites to deorbit themselves responsibly, minimizing long-term clutter. India has set an ambitious goal: Achieve a “Debris-Free Space Mission” by 2030. 

What’s Next?

Space exploration is thrilling. But as humans push deeper into the cosmos, the space junk problem can no longer be ignored. Every satellite we launch must come with an end-of-life plan, ensuring that it either burns up safely upon re-entry or moves to a designated graveyard orbit.

To recall, in April 2022, Indianweb2.com reported that ISRO is going under the process of going self-reliant in monitoring foreign space objects through Project Netra, India's initiative for Space Situational Awareness (SSA).

In a latest, the key development is the establishment of India’s first space debris monitoring radar in Chandrapur, Assam, which will enhance tracking capabilities for objects as small as 10 cm within a 2,000 km range.

The question is: Can India—and the world—clean up space before it’s too late? If ISRO’s 2024 report tells us anything, it’s that time is running out.