13-May-2024-Editorial

INDIAN SPACE SITUATIONAL ASSESSMENT REPORT (ISSAR) 2023  

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023. 

This report provides a detailed overview of India’s space assets and their vulnerability to potential collisions in space. 

Space Object Population: 

• Globally, 3,143 objects were added to space in 2023 from 212 launches and on-orbit breakup events. 
• India contributed to this with the launch of 127 satellites by December 2023. 
• ISRO had seven successful launches in 2023, placing 5 Indian satellites, 46 foreign satellites, and 8 rocket bodies into orbit. 

Indian Space Assets: 

• As of December 31, 2023, India had 22 operational satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 29 in Geostationary Orbit (GEO). 
• Three active deep space missions include Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter, Aditya-L1, and Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module. 

Space Situational Awareness Activities: 

• ISRO regularly predicts close approaches by other space objects to Indian space assets. 
• In case of critical close approaches, ISRO conducts Collision Avoidance Maneuvers (CAMs) to safeguard its spacecraft. 
• Over 1 lakh close approach alerts were received from USSPACECOM, with over 3,000 alerts for close approaches within 1 km for ISRO satellites. 
• No close approaches were detected for Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 during specific mission phases. 

Collision Avoidance Maneuvers (CAMs): 

• ISRO conducted 23 CAMs in 2023 compared to 21 in 2022 and 19 in 2021 to protect Indian space assets. 
• Collision Avoidance Analysis (COLA) is conducted to assess and prevent potential collisions. 

Satellites Re-entry: 

• Eight Indian satellites successfully re-entered in 2023, including the controlled de-orbiting of Megha-Tropiques-1, showcasing ISRO’s commitment to responsible space debris management. 

International Cooperation on Space Sustainability: 

• ISRO actively participates in international fora like the Inter-Agency Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and UN-Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). 
• ISRO chaired the 42nd annual IADC meeting in 2024 and contributed to revising space debris mitigation guidelines. 
• It is involved in various working groups and committees to discuss and formulate guidelines on space debris and sustainability. 

Challenge of Space Debris: 

• Space debris remains a challenge, with 82 rocket bodies from Indian launches still in orbit. 
• Fragments from a 2001 PSLV-C3 mishap also contribute to space debris. 

About Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): 

• ISRO, a major constituent of the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India, was formed on August 15, 1969. 
• It was previously the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), established in 1962. 
• ISRO’s prime objective is the development and application of space technology for various national needs. 
• Its activities are conducted across various centers and units, with headquarters in Bengaluru. 
• Launch vehicles are built at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), satellites at U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), and integration and launching take place at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC). 
• Liquid stage development is done at Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), and sensor development at Space Applications Centre (SAC). 
• The Chairman of ISRO also serves as the secretary of DOS and Chairman of the Space Commission. 

Way Forward: 

Establish a global framework for Space Traffic Management (STM) to standardize procedures for collision avoidance and coordination. 

Promote responsible space practices including debris mitigation and sustainable satellite deployment. 

Facilitate international collaboration for space situational awareness and resource sharing. 

Review and update space regulations to accommodate the evolving needs of the sector and raise awareness about space sustainability.