Abstract
For several decades orbital debris has been identified as a serious concern by all space-faring agencies and nations as it potentially threatens the current and future space endeavors. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is well aware of the current space debris scenario and is committed to achieving the goal of preserving outer-space for humanity. ISRO works on different aspects to effectively manage the threats due to space debris. This paper provides an overview of past activities carried out in ISRO towards the implementation of space debris mitigation guidelines. One of the significant step taken is the end of life passivation of the cryogenic upper stage of ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). Another one is the successful design and development of propellant venting system for the upper stage of ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). ISRO’s constellation of communication satellites orbiting in GSO’s is designed with adequate propellant so that it can re-orbit to the higher graveyard orbit at the end of their operational lifetime. A typical successful re-orbiting and decommissioning operation of INSAT-3E is described in detail here. ISRO has successfully designed and developed the models and software to predict the atmospheric re-entry of satellites and launch vehicle upper stages, also to compute the collision risk between the debris and the operational satellites. ISRO has also developed models to study the evolution of the space debris environment in LEO and GEO. ISRO actively support the efforts of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) to develop and adopt the space debris mitigation guidelines.
Highlights
Established in 1969, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has the vision to develop and harness space technology in national development, while pursuing planetary exploration and space science research
This paper provides an overview of earlier activities carried out in design and development towards the implementation of space debris mitigation guidelines
Implementation of space debris mitigation measures are essential for all space-faring nations as well as agencies to achieve the goal of clean space environment for future space exploration
Summary
Established in 1969, the ISRO has the vision to develop and harness space technology in national development, while pursuing planetary exploration and space science research. The prime responsibility of ISRO is design, development, and realization in the advancement of space science technologies and applications towards achieving self-reliance and facilitating in the all-round development of the nation. With these objectives, ISRO has established five significant constellations of space systems, such as Indian National Satellite (INSAT) program, GSAT program, Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) program, GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) program, and Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) program. The launch vehicles for the program mentioned above i.e., PSLV and GSLV were developed to place these constellations of satellites into desired orbits around the Earth.
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