ISRO launches new system for space observation and debris management
The Hindu
Bengaluru As India takes more steps forward to combat the problem of space debris, around 60 new sta
As India takes more steps forward to combat the problem of space debris, around 60 new startups have registered with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) since the “unlocking of space sector”.
Many of them are working in debris management, said Jitender Singh, Union Minister of State, Science and Technology, Atomic Energy and Space on Monday, while inaugurating the ISRO system for safe and sustainable space operations management (IS4OM) at ISRO Control Centre, in Peenya.
The new facility will help the country in space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic management.
In 1952 the amount of space debris was only two, but today the number has crossed 25,000, the Minister revealed. “This is a timely launch,” he said, adding that as the amount of space debris increases, this system will provide timely, accurate, and efficient information on on-orbit collision, fragmentation, atmospheric re-entry risk, space-based strategic information, hazardous asteroids, and space weather forecast.
Citing the recent incidents of space debris falls in Gujarat and Maharashtra, both Mr. Singh and Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO S. Somanath spoke about how the continuous monitoring of debris with the new system will help ISRO warn people about such incidents accurately.
Mr. Somanath said, “This is our first step towards sustainable space activity. We will continue strengthening our manpower, analytical databases, and other resources. To tackle the problem of space debris, we need our own data of our space objects as well as those of other countries”.
Along with observation of space objects, IS4OM will also safeguard India’s operational space assets. Mr. Somanath added that the issue of space debris is a global problem and all the big nations are coming together to solve it.
As speculation over the continuation of Minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare B. Nagendra in the Cabinet persisted, with the demand for his resignation raised by the BJP in connection with the ₹94 crore scam at the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, his Cabinet colleagues came to his defence on Thursday.