SPACE DEBRIS
1. Context
Despite being a critical issue in space governance, space debris lacks a universally accepted legal definition; thus, legal disputes often hinge on whether a piece of debris qualifies as a ‘space object’ under the Convention for International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects of 1972
2. What is Space debris?
Space debris, also known as space junk, refers to defunct human-made objects in space, primarily in Earth's orbit. These include non-functional satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from disintegration, erosion, and collisions
Space debris, also known as space junk, refers to defunct, human-made objects orbiting Earth that no longer serve a useful purpose. This includes:
- Defunct Satellites – Old or broken satellites left in orbit.
- Rocket Stages – Spent upper stages of rockets used to launch satellites.
- Fragments from Collisions – Pieces resulting from explosions, collisions, or breakups of satellites and rockets.
- Lost Equipment – Items like tools accidentally dropped by astronauts during spacewalks
3. Laws regarding Space debris
- Although space debris is a crucial concern in space governance, it lacks a universally recognized legal definition in international treaties. Instead, commonly referenced definitions are provided by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee and the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
- According to COPUOS, space debris encompasses all human-made objects—including fragments and components—that exist in Earth’s orbit or are re-entering the atmosphere without any functional purpose.
- Due to the absence of a clear definition, legal disputes often revolve around whether a particular piece of debris qualifies as a “space object” under the 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects.
- This classification is significant because the convention assigns liability to space objects, but if debris is no longer under a state’s control, enforcing responsibility becomes more complex.
- A fundamental principle of international space law is outlined in Article VI of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which holds states accountable for all national space activities, regardless of whether they are conducted by government agencies or private entities.
- Additionally, the 1972 Liability Convention introduced the concept of “absolute liability” for damage caused by space objects on Earth.
- Unlike fault-based liability, absolute liability does not require proof of negligence—launching states are automatically held accountable for any damage resulting from their space debris
4. Challenges
- Enforcing liability remains a significant challenge. Dispute resolution primarily relies on diplomatic negotiations, which often lead to prolonged settlements that fail to cover the full extent of damages.
- A notable example is the crash of the Soviet satellite Cosmos 954, which contained a nuclear reactor, in Canada in 1978. Although Canada incurred approximately $6 million in cleanup costs, years of negotiations with the USSR resulted in a settlement of only $3 million. This case highlighted the disparity between legal liability and practical enforcement, leaving affected parties with insufficient compensation.
- Another legal uncertainty arises when debris from a long-defunct satellite causes damage decades later—can the original launching state still be held accountable? Such ambiguities weaken the effectiveness of current liability frameworks and further complicate enforcement efforts.
- Identifying the source of space debris presents yet another challenge. While modern tracking systems and forensic techniques can trace debris back to specific origins—such as identifying components from Soviet-era satellites or SpaceX missions—older, undocumented objects or highly fragmented debris may be impossible to attribute, making accountability even more difficult
5. Gaps in Governance
- The rapid expansion of global space activities and the frequent use of rockets and their components have heightened the risks associated with uncontrolled reentries. Earlier this month, debris from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fell in Poland.
- However, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that its jurisdiction ended once SpaceX lost control of the rocket. This response highlights a growing issue: once a space object is no longer actively managed, no clear authority is responsible for its reentry or any resulting damage.
- In July 2024, the core stage of China’s Long March 5B rocket—an enormous 23-tonne structure—descended uncontrollably into the southern Pacific Ocean, narrowly missing inhabited regions. This marked the fourth such reentry event since 2020, reigniting global concerns over space debris hazards.
- Unlike modern rockets, which are engineered to either burn up completely during reentry or be guided toward uninhabited areas, the Long March 5B lacks any disposal mechanisms, making its return to Earth unpredictable. Although China has improved reentry forecasting, warnings often come too late for other nations to implement effective safety measures.
- These incidents highlight a critical gap in space governance: there are no binding international regulations to penalize uncontrolled reentries unless they result in damage. While space agencies have condemned such risks as “reckless,” these warnings lack legal enforcement without global agreements requiring proactive measures.
- The expansion of satellite mega-constellations—such as SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, and Eutelsat’s OneWeb—will add over 100,000 satellites by 2030, increasing the likelihood of uncontrolled reentries.
- Additionally, many older satellites remain in orbit without deorbiting plans, exacerbating the accumulation of space debris. While small satellites typically burn up upon reentry, larger components like rocket boosters and fuel tanks often survive, posing significant threats. In 2022, a fragment from SpaceX’s Dragon crew capsule crashed in Australia.
- Although the UN recommends that satellites deorbit within 25 years, this guideline remains voluntary, with only about 30% compliance. As a result, thousands of aging satellites continue to drift in unpredictable orbits, further complicating space sustainability efforts
6. Way Forward
- Clear regulatory frameworks are urgently needed to address a major gap in space governance: no mandatory oversight exists for reentries unless they cause direct harm. Without immediate reforms, uncontrolled reentries will become increasingly common, leaving affected communities to bear the costs without any means of redress.
- Stronger regulations are essential. COPUOS should advocate for binding international rules that mandate controlled reentries and impose penalties on entities that fail to comply.
- At the national level, governments must enhance domestic policies by making debris mitigation a prerequisite for launch licenses.
- Additionally, disposal regulations should be compulsory, requiring space operators to conduct controlled reentries or relocate defunct satellites to graveyard orbits to prevent collisions. These measures must be enforced through sanctions or launch restrictions.
- Advanced tracking technologies, such as expanding the U.S. Space Fence, would improve the ability to monitor space debris and predict reentry trajectories.
- Encouraging sustainable space practices is equally important. Incentives should be introduced for debris-neutral technologies and reusable rockets to reduce orbital congestion and enhance long-term safety.
- Moreover, the 1972 Liability Convention should be updated to establish an independent international tribunal with binding enforcement authority.
- Space is not a lawless domain, but without decisive action, it risks becoming one. Voluntary guidelines are no longer sufficient—global cooperation, enforceable regulations, and accountability measures must be prioritized to prevent greater risks in the future
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For Prelims: Europa Clipper, Artemis II, VIPER, Hera mission, NASA, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, JAXA, Martian Moon eXploration, Lunar Trailblazer, PRIME-1, DART Mission, For Mains:
1. Analyze the role of close flybys in Europa Clipper's mission plan and its impact on scientific exploration. (250 Words)
2. Elaborate on the importance of sustained human presence in space and its connection to Artemis II. (250 Words)
3. Outline the objectives of NASA's VIPER mission and its role in lunar exploration. (250 Words)
4. Explain the concept of NASA's SIMPLEx program and its cost-effective strategy. (250 Words)
5. Discuss the scientific importance of studying Phobos and Deimos and their potential origins. (250 Words)
6. Explain the "kinetic impact" technique tested by NASA's DART mission and its role in planetary defence. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. What is the purpose of the US Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which was recently in the news? (UPSC 2008)
A. To study the possibility of life on Mars
B. To study the satellites of Saturn
C. To study the colorful display of high-latitude skies
D. To build a space laboratory to study the stellar explosions
2. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? (UPSC 2014)
Spacecraft Purpose
1. Cassini-Huygens: Orbiting Venus and transmitting data to theEarth
2. Messenger: Mapping and investigating the Mercury
3. Voyager 1 and 2: Exploring the outer solar system
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
3. Chandrayaan - 2 was launched from which of the following states by ISRO? (DSSSB LDC 2019) A. Maharashtra B. Rajasthan C. Kerala D. Andhra Pradesh
4. The phases of the moon as we see from the Earth are due to changing relative positions of the sun, the earth and the moon. Which of the following statements is true? (CTET 2022)
A. on a full moon day, the earth comes between the sun and the moon
B. on a new moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun
C. on a full moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun
D. on a new moon day, the earth is between the sun and the moon.
E. on a new moon day, the sun is between the moon and the earth
A. A, B B. B, C C. C, D D. A, E
5. ISRO is related to: (SSC JE EE 2020) A. space research B. agricultural research C. seed research D. marine research 6. “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to (UPSC 2020) A. Voyager-2 B. New Horizons C. LISA Pathfinder D. Evolved LISA 7. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 2 D. 3 only
8. ‘Black hole’ is a (NDA 2019) (UPPSC 2019)
A. huge black star which has zero acceleration due to gravity on its surface
B. star which has moderate acceleration due to gravity on its surface
C. star which has collapsed into itself and has large acceleration due to gravity on its surface
D. star which has collapsed into itself and has zero acceleration due to gravity on its surface
9. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? (UPSC 2014) Spacecraft Purpose
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
10. Aditya L1 is a ______. (ISRO IPRC Technical Assistant Mechanical 2016)
A. Long-range missile
B. Rocket to moon
C. Spacecraft project
D. Light combat aircraft
11. With reference to 'Astrosat', the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016)
1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
12. If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? (UPSC 2022)
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
B. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
C. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
13. A spinning neutron star emits radio-wave and is called (Maha TAIT 2017)
A. Supernova B. Pulsar C. White dwarf D. Protostar
14. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2023)
Objects in space Description
(1) Cepheids Giant clouds of dust and gas in space
(2) Nebulae Stars which brighten and dim periodically
(3) Pulsars Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None
Answers: 1-C, 2-B, 3-D, 4-A, 5-A, 6-D, 7-A, 8-C, 9-B, 10-C, 11-D, 12-C, 13-B, 14-A
Mains
1. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions, both in terms of technology and logistics. Explain critically (UPSC 2017) 2. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (UPSC 2016) |
Source: The Hindu
