Rapid Accumulation of Space Debris: Facts and Implications

As of 2023, Earth's orbits contain over 34,000 tracked debris objects larger than 10 cm and an estimated 128 million smaller than 1 cm (ESA Space Debris Office, NASA Orbital Debris Program Office). This debris originates from defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, fragmentation from collisions, and anti-satellite (ASAT) tests, notably the 2007 Chinese ASAT event that generated over 3,000 trackable fragments (NASA). The debris density threatens operational satellites critical for telecommunications, navigation, and earth observation, risking billions in losses annually due to collisions and service disruptions.

The exponential growth of space activities, including India's launch of over 300 satellites since 2010 (ISRO Annual Report 2023), has outpaced the evolution of governance frameworks designed to mitigate debris creation and promote sustainable orbital use. This mismatch poses systemic risks to space security and sustainability.

Legal and Institutional Framework Governing Space Debris

India’s domestic space governance is primarily governed by the Indian Space Research Organisation Act, 1969, which mandates ISRO’s functions but lacks provisions for debris mitigation or private sector regulation. The draft Space Activities Bill under consideration aims to fill this gap by regulating private actors, debris mitigation, and liability, but remains pending.

Internationally, the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and the Liability Convention (1972) establish foundational principles of peaceful use and liability for damage but do not specifically address space debris. The UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) issues non-binding guidelines on debris mitigation, lacking enforcement mechanisms. Consequently, no binding international treaty mandates debris removal or active mitigation.

Key Institutions and Their Roles

• ISRO: Executes India’s space missions and satellite launches but is not a regulatory authority.
• IN-SPACe: Established in 2020, it regulates private and commercial space activities in India, including licensing and compliance, but its debris-specific regulatory framework is nascent.
• UN COPUOS: Facilitates international dialogue and guidelines on space sustainability without enforcement power.
• NASA: Operates the Space Surveillance Network (SSN), tracking over 27,000 objects and enforcing Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (ODMSP) since 2001.
• ESA: Develops active debris removal missions and policy frameworks, contributing to global efforts to manage orbital congestion.

Economic Stakes and Risks of Orbital Congestion

The global space economy was valued at USD 469 billion in 2021 and is projected to exceed USD 1 trillion by 2040 (Bryce Space and Technology Report 2022). India’s space budget for 2023-24 stands at INR 13,949 crore (~USD 1.7 billion) (Union Budget 2023-24). Satellite services underpin critical sectors such as telecommunications, GPS navigation, weather forecasting, and defense.

Orbital debris threatens these services by increasing collision risks, which can cause satellite failures and cascading debris generation (Kessler Syndrome). The potential economic losses from service disruptions and satellite replacements run into billions annually, undermining the space economy’s growth and reliability.

Comparative Governance: India vs USA and ESA

Critical Policy Gaps in Space Debris Governance

• Absence of binding international treaties specifically targeting debris mitigation and removal.
• India lacks comprehensive domestic legislation mandating debris mitigation, active removal, and liability frameworks for private space actors.
• Limited indigenous space debris tracking infrastructure constrains situational awareness and collision avoidance capabilities.
• Fragmented global governance with voluntary guidelines, leading to inconsistent compliance and enforcement.
• Technological challenges and high costs of active debris removal remain unaddressed at scale.

Significance and Way Forward

• India must expedite the enactment of the Space Activities Bill incorporating debris mitigation, liability, and private sector regulation.
• Investment in indigenous space situational awareness and debris tracking infrastructure is critical to enhance operational safety.
• Active participation and leadership in international forums like COPUOS to push for binding debris mitigation treaties.
• Promotion of research and development in active debris removal technologies through public-private partnerships.
• Integration of debris mitigation norms into satellite design, launch, and end-of-life protocols to minimize future debris generation.