14-December-2024-Editorial

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SPACE EXPLORATION: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Space exploration is advancing rapidly, yet its environmental impacts are often overlooked. From rocket emissions to the growing problem of space debris, the consequences of these activities pose significant threats to Earth’s atmosphere and orbital environment. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring sustainability in space operations.

How Space Activities Impact the Environment

Rocket Emissions

• Rocket launches emit harmful gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), black carbon, and water vapor.
• Black carbon is particularly damaging, absorbing sunlight 500 times more effectively than CO₂, thereby contributing to global warming.
• Chlorine-based rocket propellants harm the ozone layer, leading to increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation and disrupting atmospheric circulation.

Space Debris

• By September 2024, over 19,500 satellites had been launched, with approximately 10,200 operational in orbit.
• The total mass of objects in space exceeds 13,000 tonnes, creating congestion in low Earth orbit (LEO).
• Non-functional satellites and debris from collisions worsen the problem of space junk, making orbits less accessible.
• Debris interferes with radio communication, disaster monitoring, and climate tracking systems.

Satellite Manufacturing and Operations

• Building satellites involves energy-intensive processes, contributing to their carbon footprint.
• Propulsion systems release additional emissions during orbital adjustments.
• Satellite re-entry produces metallic ash, which could alter atmospheric conditions and impact the climate.

Emerging Threats

• Space mining, though not yet operational, may bring severe environmental risks.
• Increased industrial activity in space could exacerbate pollution and sustainability challenges.

Barriers to Sustainable Space Exploration

Lack of Regulations

• Space activities fall outside global agreements like the Paris Accord, leaving emissions and debris unregulated.
• The Outer Space Treaty (1967) promotes responsible use but lacks binding clauses on environmental sustainability.
• In 2019, the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) introduced 21 voluntary sustainability guidelines, but their implementation is hindered by national and commercial conflicts.

Commercial Exploitation of Space

• Profit-driven ventures, such as space tourism and asteroid mining, often prioritize revenue over sustainability.

High Costs

• Developing sustainable technologies, such as debris removal systems or eco-friendly fuels, requires significant investment.
• Advanced technologies for long-term missions, efficient propulsion, and debris management are still under development.

Data-Sharing Challenges

• National security concerns and competitive interests obstruct the real-time tracking of satellites and debris, which is critical for effective traffic management.

India’s Efforts Towards Space Sustainability

Private Sector Participation

• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (In-SPACe) fosters private-sector innovation.
• Startups like Skyroot, Agnikul, and Dhruva Space are working on sustainable satellite launch technologies.
• Manastu Space Technologies developed a hydrogen peroxide-based Green Propulsion System to reduce emissions during satellite operations.

Space Debris Management

• ISRO’s NETRA (Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis) tracks space debris to protect assets and manage risks.
• Collaborative efforts, such as the 2022 agreement with the US, enhance India’s space monitoring capabilities.

In-Orbit Servicing

• The SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) program aims to dock satellites for refueling and repair, prolonging their lifespan and reducing waste.

India and COPUOS

• India, a founding member of COPUOS, has been active in promoting space sustainability.
• Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a pioneer in India’s space program, played a key role in UN space initiatives.
• In 2021, India chaired the Working Group on Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.

Way Forward

Technological Innovations

• Develop reusable rockets to minimize waste.
• Use green hydrogen and biofuels to reduce launch emissions.
• Explore electric propulsion for lightweight missions and assess nuclear propulsion for heavy-lift missions, despite associated risks.

Managing Orbital Debris

• Create biodegradable satellites, like Japan’s LignoSat, to reduce space debris.
• Invest in autonomous debris removal (ADR) tools, including lasers and robotic arms.
• Implement deorbiting strategies to move defunct satellites to higher or safer orbits.

Global Traffic Management

• Establish a real-time satellite monitoring system to prevent collisions.
• Overcome resistance to data sharing through robust security protocols.

Policy and Governance

• Align sustainability goals with the Outer Space Treaty and introduce binding environmental agreements under COPUOS.
• Governments can enforce emission caps, promote debris mitigation, and incentivize green technologies.

Public-Private Partnerships

• Foster collaboration between governments and private companies for funding sustainable technologies.
• Create shared accountability frameworks for ensuring mutual responsibility in space activities.

Conclusion

The rapid expansion of space exploration presents environmental challenges that require immediate attention. By investing in innovative technologies, strengthening regulations, and fostering international collaboration, sustainable space activities can be achieved, ensuring that outer space remains accessible for future generations.