ISRO Steps Up Space Debris Mitigation Measures

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is implementing measures to reduce space debris from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. The measures include the Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM), Active Debris Removal (ADR), post-mission disposal practices, and orbital decay norms for Indian space actors.

Space Debris and Low Earth Orbit

Space debris includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments created by collisions or explosions in orbit. Low Earth Orbit is the region of space generally located up to 2,000 kilometres above the Earth’s surface and is used by Earth observation satellites, crewed missions, and large internet satellite constellations.

Large satellite constellations in LEO use autonomous collision-avoidance systems, but failed or non-maneuverable spacecraft remain a collision risk. Small debris pieces are difficult to track and cannot be avoided by standard manoeuvring systems.

Debris Free Space Mission and Active Debris Removal

The Debris Free Space Mission is ISRO’s framework for limiting the creation of new orbital debris. Active Debris Removal refers to technologies and missions designed to capture, de-orbit, or neutralise existing debris objects in space.

ISRO has begun precursor on-orbit demonstrations for Active Debris Removal. No operational launch date for a full debris-removal system has been announced.

Indian Space Policy and Orbital Disposal Norms

The Indian Space Policy and norms issued by IN-SPACe require Indian space actors to follow internationally recognised post-mission disposal practices. These practices include controlled re-entry, rapid natural orbital decay, or other methods that reduce long-term debris generation.

India follows a 5-year orbital decay guideline for certain missions, under which upper stages and spacecraft should re-enter the atmosphere within five years after mission completion.

The upper stage of the LVM3 M5 rocket, launched on 2 November 2025, re-entered the atmosphere over the Atlantic Ocean on 30 July 2026. The re-entry complied with India’s 5-year DFSM orbital decay guideline.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee was formed in 1993 and includes major space agencies from several countries.
• ISRO has been a member of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee since 1996.
• Low Earth Orbit is the most crowded orbital region because it hosts communication, remote sensing, and scientific satellites.
• Collision fragments in orbit can create a chain reaction known as the Kessler syndrome.

International Cooperation and Safety Norms

Space debris mitigation is a global issue because orbital objects travel at very high velocities and can damage active satellites. International coordination on debris tracking, collision avoidance, and disposal standards is carried out through bodies such as the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee.