With the Debris Free Space Missions (DFSM), India’s ISRO is set to become one of the space agencies in the world that puts paramount importance on the safety, security and sustainability of it’s outer space activities. This is another step towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Debris-free space missions refer to space missions which are designed and executed in a manner where the space debris is completely avoided. Space debris can include spent rocket stages, defunct satellites which are no longer in use but remain in orbit, Items which are accidentally lost or deliberately ejected from the space crafts and more.
The Indian Debris Free Space Missions (DFSM) Initiative announced by Shri Somanath S., Chairman of ISRO, during the 42nd Annual Meet of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Co-ordination Committee (IADC) is to ensure that we do not contribute to the growing problem of space debris.
The DFSM initiative aims for all Indian space missions to be debris free by the Year 2030. This will include both governmental and non-governmental missions. While this initiative encourages India based projects to be compliant, it also encourages other nations to adopt similar practices to ensure the sanctity and long-term sustainability of outer space.
The Debris Free Space Missions initiative will start in the Year 2025, with annual progress reviews. ISRO’s system for safe space operations (IS4OM) will oversee the implementation. This initiative positions India as a leader in promoting the safety, security, and sustainability of space activities.
Some of the Key elements of Debris Free Space Missions include avoiding debris generation during the operational life of satellites and launch vehicles as well as during the post-mission disposal phase
Ensure that the satellites and launch vehicles designed are robust and can withstand potential collisions and unpredictable outer space conditions. Missions directors should try and minimise the release of non-functional components. They should avoid intentional collisions with outer space objects. Performing controlled manoeuvres will give control over the space craft trajectory avoiding unintentional breakups and collisions.
Mission directors should also plan well in advance for the end of life disposal plans. For satellites which are closer to earth, scientists will slow it down so that it falls out of the orbit and into earth’s atmosphere where it will burn upon re-entry or fall into an uninhabited area. For satellites where this is not a feasible option, scientists will deorbit them in a controlled manner and move to aa ‘graveyard orbit’. Graveyard orbit is an orbit farther away from earth, which does not come in the path of the natural operations of earth’s space agencies. This prevents them from becoming uncontrolled debris.
Some of the other actions could include depleting batteries and fuel tanks prior to end of life to prevent explosions in space which can contribute to the debris. Missions can also include technology where existing debris can be removed using nets, harpoons or robotic arms and de-orbiting them.
The Debris Free Space Missions also gives guidelines which all satellite and launch missions should start following by the Year 2030. Human Spaceflight Safety must be maintained when planning missions. For this the area around 400 km above the Earth surface (+/- 30 Km) is reserved for human missions. All other space missions should avoid this zone to prevent any possible risks.
All satellites should be managed and monitored so that they are easy to track, identify, and control throughout their entire mission. Any mission which is needs an extensions, should be given the permissions only after assessing satellite’s systems health, safety and end of life disposal.
The DFSM initiative by India also outlines strong coordination and data sharing at both national and international levels to ensure the safe and sustainable operation of space missions. India aims to bring space agencies together in it’s long term objective of “Join Together for a Safe, Secured and Sustainable Space, Preserve the Common Heritage of Humankind for Future Generations, Space for all & for all generations”
Debris-free space missions are increasingly important as the number of objects in Earth’s orbit are continuously growing. There is a rise of mega-constellations of satellites for global communications, which contributes to the space debris as well. Measures for a zero-debris space missions are critical for preserving the long-term sustainability of space activities.
