Space pollution, also known as space debris, refers to the accumulation of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments resulting from disintegration or collisions. These remnants pose significant risks to operational satellites and space missions.
The primary causes of space pollution include:
The issue of space pollution is critical, with over 27,000 cataloged objects and millions of smaller, uncataloged pieces in orbit. This congestion increases the likelihood of collisions, which can render certain orbits unusable and jeopardize the sustainable use of outer space.
Collisions involving space debris can lead to significant damage or destruction of operational satellites and spacecraft, including the International Space Station (ISS). This loss can disrupt essential services such as communication, weather monitoring, and navigation. Moreover, it heightens the risk of Kessler Syndrome, a scenario where cascading collisions make space activities increasingly unsustainable.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the “Swachh Antriksh Abhiyan” initiative, which includes:
These measures aim to minimize India's contribution to space debris and promote safe and sustainable use of outer space.
Space congestion above Sriharikota recently delayed the launch of India’s PSLV rocket by one minute due to space conjunction in the densely packed 500 km orbit. This incident underscores the challenges of navigating space traffic and ensuring safe launch windows.
ISRO's IS4OM initiative is focused on monitoring space objects and their proximity to Indian assets. This includes:
These strategies are crucial for protecting India’s space assets and ensuring national security.
India has contributed 217 space objects, accounting for approximately 0.8% of global space debris. Following its anti-satellite test in 2019, India ensured that the debris created remained in low orbit, thereby minimizing long-term pollution and demonstrating responsible behavior in space.
The emergence of small satellite constellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink, presents significant challenges by increasing the density of objects in orbit. This escalates the risk of collisions and the Kessler Syndrome, potentially restricting access to space for future generations.
India’s space situational awareness activities, as part of the ISRO's IS4OM initiative, have strategic implications. These efforts are vital for identifying potential threats, including operational spacecraft with questionable motives, thereby safeguarding national security and protecting India’s economic interests in space.
Q1. What is space pollution?
Answer: Space pollution refers to the accumulation of defunct satellites and debris in orbit, posing risks to active spacecraft and missions.
Q2. How does space debris impact satellite operations?
Answer: Space debris can collide with operational satellites, causing damage or destruction, and disrupting essential services like communication and navigation.
Q3. What measures is ISRO taking to address space debris?
Answer: ISRO's “Swachh Antriksh Abhiyan” includes initiatives for safe deorbiting of defunct satellites and reducing the lifespan of spent rocket stages.
Q4. What is Kessler Syndrome?
Answer: Kessler Syndrome is a scenario where the density of objects in low Earth orbit increases to the point that collisions become frequent, making space activities unsustainable.
Q5. How does space congestion affect rocket launches?
Answer: Space congestion can delay rocket launches due to the need to ensure safe trajectories and avoid potential collisions with debris.
Question 1: What is a significant cause of space pollution?
A) Space tourism
B) Anti-satellite tests
C) Solar flares
D) Satellite propulsion systems
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which organization is responsible for monitoring space debris in India?
A) NASA
B) ISRO
C) ESA
D) JAXA
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What percentage of global space debris does India contribute?
A) 0.5%
B) 0.8%
C) 1.2%
D) 2.0%
Correct Answer: B
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