Produced by: Tarun Mishra
The recent release of ISRO's Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023 sheds light on its proactive measures to ensure satellite safety.
The report unveils ISRO's execution of 23 collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAMs) in 2023, aimed at safeguarding satellites from potential collisions.
Providing valuable insights, the report underscores the challenges faced in managing space traffic and satellite operations amidst a growing satellite population.
ISRO received a significant number of close approach alerts, totaling approximately 1,37,565 from the US Space Command (USSPACECOM), with over 3,000 alerts involving satellites nearing each other within a kilometer.
Despite the surge in close encounters, ISRO's meticulous monitoring and coordination efforts, coupled with precise reassessment of satellite data, ensured the successful execution of collision avoidance manoeuvres.
The report highlights the absence of a universally accepted framework for space traffic management, necessitating ad-hoc coordination among satellite operators to mitigate potential conflicts.
ISRO's assessment reflects on the challenges posed by emerging space activities such as mega constellations and space tourism, emphasizing the need for enhanced operational safety and sustainability measures.
ISRO's report also celebrates successful satellite re-entries and highlights ongoing efforts to address space debris concerns, including the controlled descent of satellites and management of rocket body fragments.