SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) | Ministry of Science and Technology | Department of Space | NITI Aayog
The World Economic Forum (WEF) report titled Clear Orbit, Secure Future: A Call to Action on Space Debris highlights the critical risks posed by the escalating volume of orbital debris. The report warns that the current trajectory of space activity is unsustainable, with the population of debris objects growing at an exponential rate. This congestion threatens the long term viability of essential space based services, including global communications, navigation, and environmental monitoring, which are vital for modern economic and social infrastructure.
Economic Impact and the Cost of Inaction The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic consequences of failing to address the space debris problem:
Increased Operational Costs: Satellite operators face rising costs due to the need for more frequent collision avoidance maneuvers and increased shielding, which shortens the operational lifespan of spacecraft.
Potential for Orbital Loss: In extreme scenarios, specific orbital planes could become unusable due to high collision risks, leading to a significant loss of global satellite capacity.
Impact on Global Economy: The disruption of space based services could have a cascading effect on various sectors, potentially costing the global economy billions of dollars in lost productivity and infrastructure damage.
Strategies for Debris Mitigation and Remediation To secure a sustainable future for space activities, the report outlines a multi faceted approach across technology, economy, and policy:
Technological Innovation: Prioritizing the development of active debris removal (ADR) technologies and improving space situational awareness (SSA) to better track and predict debris trajectories.
Economic Incentives: Implementing market based mechanisms, such as orbital use fees or debris mitigation bonds, to encourage responsible behavior among space actors.
Law and Policy Reform: Strengthening international legal frameworks and national regulations to mandate post mission disposal and the adoption of “design for demise” principles for all new satellites.
What is the “Kessler Syndrome” and why is it a critical concern for space sustainability? The Kessler Syndrome refers to a theoretical scenario where the density of objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is high enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade in which each collision generates space debris that increases the likelihood of further collisions. This self-sustaining cycle could eventually render certain orbital regions unusable for generations, severely limiting humanity’s ability to utilize space for scientific, commercial, and strategic purposes.
Policy Relevance
As India rapidly expands its space assets and commercial launch capabilities through ISRO and private players, the findings of this report are central to its long term strategic autonomy in space.
Leadership in Space Sustainability: India can take a lead role in the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) to champion the global adoption of standardized debris mitigation protocols.
Developing Indigenous SSA Capabilities: Enhancing the ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM) is critical for protecting India’s growing fleet of communication and earth observation satellites.
Promoting Space Sector Reforms: By integrating debris mitigation standards into the national space policy, India can ensure that its emerging private space industry operates responsibly and remains globally competitive.
Follow the full report here: Clear Orbit, Secure Future: A Call to Action on Space Debris