Space debris and Rules governing

  • August 1, 2023
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Space debris and Rules governing

Subject: Science and  technology

Section: Space technology

Context:

The Australian Space agency has verified that the debris discovered on the shores of western Australia belongs to an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) rocket.

What is space debris?

Space debris, also known as space junk, refers to defunct human-made objects in Earth’s orbit that no longer serve any useful purpose and pose a risk to operational spacecraft and satellites.

What are different types of space debris?

  1. Fragmentation Debris – Result of collisions or explosions, varying in size
  2. Non-Functional Satellites – Defunct or non-operational satellites
  3. Rocket Bodies – Spent stages of launch vehicles left in orbit
  4. Mission-Related Debris – Lost or released items during space missions
  5. Paint Flecks and Micrometeoroids – Small particles that pose threats due to high velocities
  6. Dust and Thermal Blankets – Fine particles and insulation materials
  7. Payload Fairings – Protective covers jettisoned after launch
  8. Spent Rocket Motors – Casings left from used solid rocket propellants
  9. Nuclear Debris – Debris from nuclear-powered satellites or reactors

What are the threats posed by space debris?

  1. In Space –
    1. Collision Risks – Space debris can collide with satellites and spacecraft, causing damage and disruptions
    2. Debris Generation – Collisions can create more debris, leading to a dangerous chain reaction – Kessler Syndrome
    3. Interference – can hinder space operations and spacewalks
  2. On Earth –
    1. Re-Entry Hazards – Larger debris may pose risks upon re-entry, potentially damaging property or endangering lives
    2. Aviation Risk – collisions with aircraft pose threats to aviation safety
    3. Environmental Impact – Debris falling into oceans can harm marine life, and hazardous materials may cause pollution
    4. Liability – Launching states are “absolutely liable” for damage caused by their space debris.

How damage caused by space debris can be prevented?

  1. In Space –
    1. Active Debris Removal – technologies for removing hazardous space debris, Remove DEBRIS project of Airbus
    2. Deorbiting – deorbiting of defunct satellites and stages
    3. Space Traffic Management – Improve coordination to avoid collisions
    4. Spacecraft Design – Implement measures for debris survivability
    5. Collision Avoidance – Use manoeuvres to avoid potential collisions
  2. On Earth –
    1. Controlled Re-Entry – Ensure safe re-entry of larger objects
    2. Education – Raise awareness about responsible space practices
    3. Regulations – Establish guidelines for responsible space operations
      1. Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, 1971
    4. Monitoring – Track space debris for timely warnings, Project NETRA of ISRO
    5. Environmental Considerations – Design spacecraft with eco-friendly materials

What is space situational awareness (SSA)?

  • Ability to detect, track, and predict the positions and movements of objects in space, including satellites and space debris
  • Involves monitoring the space environment, enabling collision avoidance manoeuvres and ensuring safe and efficient space operations
  • Project Netra of ISRO aims to achieve SSA for India.

Is there any law regulating space junk?

The Space Liability Convention of 1972 defines responsibility for damage caused by space objects

  • Also known as Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects
  • Launching states are “absolutely liable” for compensation for damage to Earth’s surface or aircraft caused by their space objects
  • Cover damages in space as well as on earth
  • The launching state is required to pay compensation for damage caused by its space objects
    • resulted in compensation payment only once so far – Canada received CAD 3 million from Soviet Union in 1978 for a satellite with radioactive substance that fell into an uninhabited region
  • No-Fault Liability – The launching state is automatically liable for any harm caused by its space object
Science and tech Space debris and Rules governing