Strategic recommendations to reduce the threat of space debris (India perspective)

Paper number

IAC-12,A6,6,4,x13875

Author

Dr. Rushi Ghadawala, Aryavarta Space Organization, India

Year

2012

Abstract

Increased use of space applications, particularly satellite communication in telecommunication,
entertainment, imaging, navigation, weather forecasting, defence etc. has emphasised the need
of a greater number of satellites. The growing number of satellites has added the problem of
\space junk" or space debris by increasing the probability of space collisions. Destructions of
such satellites directly cause a serious impact on the nation's annual space budget and high
capital loss to the commercial space communication providers. Damage to satellite operations
also causes losses in its services. The issue of weaponization of space raises the important, yet
ultimately intractable question of whether the migration of combat operations to orbital space
is bound to take place sooner or later or it simply, is a speculation of few scholars military
brass. The space weaponization rests on the assumptions { inevitability, vulnerability control.
The code of conduct would ensure the safe operation of satellites and would also promote
increasing cooperation in space which would tend to reduce tensions in the international politics
which will help in preventing any kind of con
ict in future. Present study is focused on how
space security is compromised due to space debris and its consequences to variety of sectors.
Development towards space situational awareness (SSA) is seen in many countries like United
States, Canada, EU, France, Germany, China, India and Japan. . . etc., which are all developing
space surveillance capabilities for various purposes. The nations should focus on strengthening
their basic capacities of the space industry, accelerate research on leading {edge technology, and
continue to implement important space scientific and technological projects in key fields. As a
space-faring nation, it is important for India to constantly monitor the rapidly changing global
space order. At the end, some potential solutions and recommendations to improve structural
strength of commercial satellites in order to extend their life, similar to military satellites, are
required which will protect against electromagnetic pulse radiation and against collision with
micro-debris. Some sort of space traffic regulatory is required to control satellite traffic in
populated orbits. For out of service satellites, commercial satellite companies require to boost
their devices into \parking" orbits where they may stay for thousand years or de-orbit to Earth
where they will burn up in atmosphere.

Abstract document

IAC-12,A6,6,4,x13875.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,A6,6,4,x13875.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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