Orbital crowding and space debris are emerging as critical challenges to the long-term sustainability of outer space. Discuss the causes and consequences of this problem. Suggest measures to ensure responsible and sustainable use of outer space resources.

Answer: 

Approach to the answer: 

What does space sustainability mean? How do orbital congestion and space debris affect the sustainability of outer space? and Space sustainability measures

• Space debris and orbital crowding are growing serious problems that endanger the sustainability of outer space as the number of satellites and other objects in orbit rises. Over 500,000 bits of debris smaller than 1 cm and over 26,000 objects larger than 10 cm are now in orbit, posing serious dangers to space assets.

Overview:nBring up space pollution and orbital crowding.

Body: Discuss the sustainability of space. Space debris and orbital congestion undermine the viability of distant space and space sustainability measures

• The long-term, responsible use of resources in space while maintaining the space environment and its capacity to sustain current and future generations is known as space sustainability.

The responsible management of space debris and other types of space pollution, the safe and sustainable operation of spacecraft and space infrastructure, and the encouragement of global cooperation and collaboration in space operations are just a few of the many practices that fall under this umbrella.

Conclusion: Highlight the threat posed by space pollution and space assets and need for sustainable outer space

• Reusable technology can assist cut down on waste and the quantity of materials and resources required for space exploration. Reusable rovers, satellites, and rockets are a few examples of reusable technology.

For space to continue to provide peaceful and socioeconomic benefits, space sustainability is essential. Space sustainability can be enhanced and the risks associated with orbital congestion and space debris can be reduced by implementing policies such as regulations, ratings, and programs for space situational awareness and debris monitoring.

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Practice Question

Question: India has launched several satellites for socio-economic and security purposes. In light of rising space debris, how can India balance its space ambitions with its responsibilities toward sustainable outer space use?

Mains PYQs 

Question: International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territory. What do you understand by ‘airspace’? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggest ways to contain the threat. (UPSC IAS 2014)

MCQs PYQs

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Question: The concept of Graveyard Orbit is related to which of the following space-related activities? (UPSC IAS 2017)

1. A) The placement of communication satellites
2. B) The safe disposal of defunct satellites
3. C) The construction of space stations
4. D) The movement of satellites to higher altitudes

Answer: b

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