ISRO averts 10 collisions in space, backs requirement of Space Traffic Management system
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2024 successfully averted 10 potential collisions involving its satellites. As per the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) released by the space agency, collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAM) were carried out to avoid damages. The space agency also flagged the increase in space activity across the globe and highlighted the need for an active Space Traffic Management (STM) system. 'The sheer number of close approach alerts indicates the alarmingly rising congestion in space, especially low-Earth orbit,' ISRO said in its report, adding that with the easier access to space through rideshare, coupled with technological advancements, the future space traffic is not likely to show any signs of slowing down.
The agency added that spaceflight safety in the future is expected to involve more intensive coordination and cooperation between various spacefaring entities. 'It is desirable that a suitable collaborative framework evolves for meeting STM requirements,' ISRO said.
The space agency received more than 53000 alerts by the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC), the US–led multinational space operations center for its satellites, which were analysed using data from flight dynamics resulting in 10 anomalies.
ISRO carried out six critical manoeuvres in LEO and four in GEO. For
Chandrayaan-2
an orbit maintenance manoeuvre was also conducted to mitigate conjunctions with Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, a NASA mission launched in 2009.
Currently, India has 22 satellites in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and 31 in GEO (Geo-synchronous Earth Orbit), which are important to protect. In 2024 India undertook five launches from Sriharikota and all of them were successfully placed in their intended orbits.
ISRO said the number of CAMs was lesser in 2024 compared to the previous year. 'This is because improved close approach analysis methodology with larger conjunction screening volume and usage of more accurate ephemerides helped to meet collision avoidance requirements by adjusting orbit maintenance manoeuvres on several occasions and avoiding exclusive CAMs.'
The space agency said post the corrections, 89 manoeuvre plans were revised to avoid post-manoeuvre close approaches with other space objects for LEO satellites.
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