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ISRO's Strategy to Prevent Satellite Collisions and Achieve Zero Space Debris

ISRO is taking proactive steps to minimize collision risks for satellites in low-earth orbit by choosing operational orbits away from congested zones and performing necessary evasive maneuvers. The agency is strengthening its Space Situational Awareness through the indigenous NETRA project for tracking and continual risk assessment. The government has a comprehensive plan, the Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM), which aims for zero debris from all Indian space actors by 2030. India is also actively participating in international cooperation forums to contribute to long-term space sustainability.

Key Points: ISRO Steps to Cut Satellite Collision Risk, Gaganyaan Cost

  • Avoids crowded orbits with evasive maneuvers
  • Strengthens Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
  • Aims for zero debris by 2030 via DFSM
  • Gaganyaan cost ~Rs 6,018 crore
  • Active in international debris coordination
2 min read

ISRO taking steps to cut risk of satellite collision: MoS Jitendra Singh

ISRO adopts evasive maneuvers, tracks space objects via NETRA, and aims for zero debris by 2030. Gaganyaan expenditure reaches ~Rs 6,018 crore.

ISRO taking steps to cut risk of satellite collision: MoS Jitendra Singh
"Progress has been made in implementing these measures such as the end-of-life deorbiting and passivation of SCATSAT - MoS Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, Feb 12

With the aim of minimising the risk of satellites' collision in low-earth orbit due to congestion, the Department of Space/Indian Space Research Organisation opt for operational orbits away from the already known crowded zones and perform need-based evasive manoeuvres, the Centre told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Minister of State (MoS) for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, in a written reply, said that other measures taken by the space agency towards strengthening Space Situational Awareness (SSA) for Indian satellites include continual assessment of collision risks and performing Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAMs) as and when required.

In reply to another query, the MoS said the cumulative expenditure on the Gaganyaan programme as on January 2026 stands at nearly Rs 6,018 crore.

On the satellite collision issue, MoS Singh referred to the setting up of indigenous facilities to monitor the space objects under the Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) project, among others.

Sharing details of the Union government's comprehensive plan to achieve zero debris in space, the Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) declared by ISRO in 2024 aims to achieve zero debris by all Indian actors, government as well as private, by 2030.

The MoS said that the ISRO has institutionalised the process to ensure extra fuel margins for both spacecraft and launch vehicles for their post-mission disposal.

Studies are being undertaken with rendezvous and proximity operations and robotic arms as precursors to active debris removal, he added.

The MoS said that India is an active participant in international cooperation frameworks such as the Inter-Agency Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), United Nations Working Group on Long Term Sustainability (UN-LTS), and contributes technically in these forums.

"Progress has been made in implementing these measures such as the end-of-life deorbiting and passivation of SCATSAT to reduce its orbital life and disposal of IRNSS-1D to a super-synchronous graveyard orbit and passivation to avoid interference with operational satellites, among others," MoS Singh added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very proud of our scientists. While the Gaganyaan budget seems high, ensuring the safety of our astronauts and our space assets is paramount. These collision avoidance measures are non-negotiable. Well done ISRO team!
R
Rohit P
Good to see proactive steps. The low-earth orbit is getting like a crowded Mumbai street! 😅 Every nation needs to be responsible. Hope our international cooperation puts pressure on others to follow similar debris-free protocols.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the tech sector here, this is vital for the future of all satellite-based services - from GPS to weather data. The focus on robotic arms for debris removal is particularly fascinating. Future-proofing our space presence.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the plans sound good on paper, execution and continuous funding are key. We've seen many grand announcements before. Hope this doesn't get stuck in bureaucratic delays. The 2030 target is ambitious.
K
Karthik V
The mention of extra fuel margins for disposal is a smart, technical detail that shows real planning. It's not just about launching, but also about cleaning up after. This is responsible spacefaring. More power to ISRO!

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