Forest Services
Introduction to ISSAR-2025
The Indian Space Situational Awareness Report 2025 (ISSAR-2025) was released by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during the inaugural session of the 2nd International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations (SMOPS-2026) held in Bengaluru. ISSAR-2025 presents a comprehensive assessment of global and Indian space environment dynamics, highlighting the surge in space congestion and collision risks due to the rapid deployment of mega-constellations. This report marks a critical step in India's evolving space security architecture, emphasizing the need for robust Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities to protect its strategic assets in orbit.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3: Science and Technology – Space Technology and Security
- GS Paper 2: International Relations – Space Diplomacy and Treaties
- Essay: Emerging Challenges in Space Security and Governance
Key Findings of ISSAR-2025
- Space Congestion and Collision Alerts: Globally, approximately 160,000 close approach alerts were recorded in 2025, with over 150,000 involving Indian satellites. This surge is largely driven by the deployment of mega-constellations such as Starlink and Kuiper, which complicate collision avoidance efforts.
- Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAMs): Indian satellites executed 14 CAMs in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), including the NISAR mission, 4 in Geostationary Orbit (GEO), and 2 special orbit adjustments for the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter. Orbit manoeuvre optimisation techniques are increasingly used to reduce the need for dedicated CAMs, reflecting enhanced SSA integration.
- Launch and Satellite Deployment Record: The year 2025 saw 328 launch attempts worldwide—the highest ever—with 315 successful launches. A total of 4,198 operational satellites were added, contributing to 4,651 new space objects, indicating rapid commercialization and intensified space utilization.
- Atmospheric Re-entries: A total of 1,911 objects re-entered Earth’s atmosphere in 2025, including 1,002 spacecraft, 657 debris, 108 rocket bodies, and 144 unidentified objects. This number is lower than 2024 due to reduced de-orbiting activities and decreased solar activity.
- Satellite Constellation Growth: Mega-constellations continue to expand, with 9,396 Starlink satellites remaining in orbit by the end of 2025. The number of active satellites is now approaching parity with space debris, increasing the complexity of coordination and collision risk mitigation.
Legal and Institutional Framework Governing SSA in India
India's space activities are governed by international and domestic legal instruments. The Outer Space Treaty 1967, ratified by India, establishes the foundational principles of peaceful use and non-appropriation of outer space. Domestically, the Indian Telegraph Act 1885, amended to regulate satellite communications under Section 3, empowers the government to oversee space-based communication infrastructure. The Space Activities Bill, currently at the draft stage, aims to provide a comprehensive legal framework for space operations, including SSA and debris mitigation. Additionally, provisions under the Disaster Management Act 2005 are invoked for policies related to space debris management. While no Supreme Court cases have directly addressed SSA, Article 51 of the Constitution mandates promotion of international peace and security, providing a constitutional basis for India's space diplomacy.
- ISRO: Primary agency for space missions and SSA data generation.
- IN-SPACe: Regulates and promotes private sector participation in space activities.
- DRDO: Collaborates on space security and SSA capabilities.
- ISAC: Manages satellite operations and executes collision avoidance manoeuvres.
- UN COPUOS: International forum for developing norms on peaceful use and traffic management in outer space.
Economic Dimensions of ISSAR-2025
India’s space budget for 2024-25 stands at approximately ₹13,949 crore, reflecting increased investment in SSA and space security as per the ISRO Annual Report 2023-24. Globally, the space economy was valued at $469 billion in 2023, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%. The addition of 4,198 operational satellites in 2025 signals rapid commercialization and market expansion. India’s private sector is increasingly active under the Department of Space’s NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) framework, which seeks to leverage commercial opportunities while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Comparison of India’s SSA Capabilities with the United States
| Parameter | India | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking Infrastructure | Emerging indigenous radar and optical sensors; limited coverage | Space Surveillance Network (SSN) with global tracking of 27,000+ objects |
| Conjunction Warnings Issued (2025) | ~160,000 close approach alerts globally, 150,000+ involving Indian satellites | ~20,000 conjunction warnings annually |
| Legal Framework | Draft Space Activities Bill; Indian Telegraph Act (amended); no binding STM law | Space Policy Directive-3 (2018) mandates debris removal and collision avoidance |
| Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres | 20+ CAMs executed in 2025 (LEO and GEO) | Regular CAMs coordinated via SSN and US Space Command |
| International Cooperation | Active in UN COPUOS; emerging bilateral data-sharing agreements | Established global partnerships and data-sharing networks |
Critical Gaps in India’s Space Traffic Management
India currently lacks a comprehensive, legally binding national framework for space traffic management (STM) and active debris mitigation. Unlike the US Space Policy Directive-3 (2018), which mandates active debris removal and collision avoidance protocols, India’s regulatory framework remains fragmented. This gap limits enforcement over private sector and international actors operating in Indian orbital regimes. Additionally, indigenous tracking infrastructure is still developing, constraining real-time SSA capabilities. Strengthening legal instruments and expanding sensor networks are essential to address these vulnerabilities.
Significance and Way Forward
- Enhance indigenous SSA infrastructure by deploying advanced radar and optical sensors to improve tracking accuracy and coverage.
- Accelerate the enactment of the Space Activities Bill to establish a legally binding framework for STM and debris mitigation.
- Expand international data-sharing agreements and actively participate in multilateral forums like UN COPUOS to shape global space traffic norms.
- Integrate private sector stakeholders under a robust regulatory regime to ensure compliance with SSA protocols.
- Invest in research for autonomous collision avoidance technologies and AI-based predictive analytics for better risk assessment.
- SSA involves tracking and predicting the movement of space objects to avoid collisions.
- SSA and Space Traffic Management (STM) are legally synonymous and governed by the same international treaties.
- India currently operates a fully autonomous SSA network comparable to the US Space Surveillance Network.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- It prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in outer space.
- India has ratified the Outer Space Treaty.
- It mandates active debris removal by signatory states.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Jharkhand & JPSC Relevance
- JPSC Paper: Paper 3 – Science & Technology, Space Technology
- Jharkhand Angle: Jharkhand hosts multiple ISRO ground stations and research facilities contributing to SSA data collection.
- Mains Pointer: Highlight the role of regional infrastructure in national SSA efforts and the importance of state-level capacity building for space security.
What is Space Situational Awareness (SSA)?
SSA refers to the ability to detect, track, and predict the movement of space objects such as satellites and debris to prevent collisions and ensure safe space operations. It involves data collection from radar, optical sensors, and satellite telemetry.
How does the Indian Telegraph Act 1885 relate to space activities?
Section 3 of the Indian Telegraph Act empowers the government to regulate satellite communications, including licensing and spectrum allocation, thus providing a legal basis for managing space-based communication infrastructure.
What are mega-constellations and why do they pose risks?
Mega-constellations are large networks of satellites (often thousands) deployed to provide global internet coverage. Their rapid deployment increases space congestion and collision risks, complicating SSA and space traffic management.
What is the significance of the Space Activities Bill for India?
The Space Activities Bill aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for regulating space operations in India, including licensing, liability, SSA, and debris mitigation, thus filling existing regulatory gaps.
How does India’s SSA capability compare with the US?
India’s SSA capabilities are developing with emerging indigenous infrastructure, whereas the US operates the extensive Space Surveillance Network (SSN) tracking over 27,000 objects and issuing thousands of conjunction warnings annually.