Humanity’s ventures into space have left an indelible mark on the cosmos, and not all of it is benign. With over 20,000 satellites launched and only half of them still operational, the space surrounding Earth has accumulated a significant amount of debris. This issue poses a major risk to space missions, as objects as small as 1 cm can cause catastrophic damage to satellites, much like the impact of a grenade. Addressing this growing concern, the European Space Agency (ESA) has pioneered the Zero Debris Approach, aiming to establish rigorous standards to curb new space debris and actively mitigate existing hazards.
The Growing Threat of Space Debris
Space debris includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from previous collisions or explosions. The scale of this problem is considerable, with over 36,000 objects larger than 5 to 10 cm cataloged and tracked. These orbiting fragments collectively weigh over 13,000 tonnes, posing ongoing collision risks to operational satellites and space stations. Even minor fragments in low Earth orbit (LEO) can cause serious damage due to their high velocities.
As awareness of this issue rises, international efforts are coalescing around sustainable practices. ESA, along with industry partners and more than a hundred commercial and academic entities, has championed the Zero Debris Charter. This charter establishes ambitious goals and development pathways to minimize debris, promising a sustainable and responsible future for space activities.
Technological Pathways for Space Debris Reduction
Achieving a sustainable space environment requires proactive technologies for debris mitigation. Two essential approaches are in place:
- End-of-Life Reentry and Reorbiting Systems: Satellites in LEO are often reentered or deorbited to prevent long-term orbiting. Systems such as drag-augmentation devices, tethers, or terminator sails use Earth’s magnetic field to accelerate deorbiting. For satellites in GEO, ‘graveyard orbits’ are designated for safe disposal.
- End-of-Life Passivation: To avoid explosions caused by residual fuel, propulsive and power systems are “passivated” at the end of a satellite’s mission. This involves venting any leftover propellant and discharging the batteries, reducing the risk of accidental breakups.
VURDHAAN, an expert in space sustainability solutions, actively supports these critical efforts. Through our knowledge of the Space Sustainability Rating (SSR), reusable launch vehicles, and the Outer Space Treaty, we help clients adopt robust end-of-life practices that align with international regulations.
Designing for Safe Demise and Active Removal
Creating a sustainable orbit environment involves innovative engineering approaches like Design for Demise and Design for Removal. Under Design for Demise, space systems are crafted to burn up upon reentry, reducing the risk of hazardous debris reaching Earth. Meanwhile, Design for Removal equips spacecraft with features that allow them to be easily captured and removed from orbit by other spacecraft, should they become non-operational.
At VURDHAAN, we assist organizations in integrating these future-forward design principles. Our services include guiding clients through compliance with international standards and supporting them in the adoption of pioneering practices that emphasize safety and sustainability in space operations.
Monitoring and Modeling Space Debris
A comprehensive approach to space sustainability also requires sophisticated debris tracking and environmental modeling. ESA’s initiatives in this area involve using advanced sensors and data analysis to model the behavior of debris in high-risk orbital zones. VURDHAAN leverages similar data-driven techniques to aid clients in developing responsible space policies that minimize their environmental footprint.
A Collective Commitment to Space Sustainability
As humanity’s presence in space expands, so does the responsibility to protect the orbital environment. By investing in zero-debris technologies and fostering a culture of sustainability, organizations like ESA, and consultancies such as VURDHAAN, are charting a course toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future in space.
VURDHAAN is committed to supporting this vision, offering expert guidance in compliance, sustainable practices, and technological advancements to ensure a responsible presence in space. With our holistic approach to sustainability—support, educate, and implement—we help organizations navigate the complexities of space sustainability, ultimately contributing to a cleaner orbit and a brighter future for space exploration.