The 2023 edition of ISRO’s Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR), released on Monday, highlights a persistent increase in the number of space objects, with 3,143 new entries in 2023 from 212 launches and on-orbit breakup events worldwide, compared to 2,533 objects from 179 launches in 2022.
This escalating congestion poses risks to operational satellites, necessitating a record number of collision avoidance maneuvers (CAMs) for Indian satellites due to close approaches by other space objects. While no collisions occurred, the report underscores the importance of responsible conduct and coordination among space operators to mitigate risks. Launch schedules for certain ISRO missions were adjusted based on collision avoidance analyses to prevent potential close encounters.
Additionally, the report details the reentry of Indian satellites and rocket bodies, including a meticulously planned reentry of the Megha-Tropiques-1 satellite. Notable incidents, such as the accidental breakup of the upper stage of the PSLV-C3 rocket in 2001, are also discussed, with some debris remaining in orbit until the end of 2023. ISRO received numerous close approach alerts from USSPACECOM, with coordination efforts undertaken with international agencies in certain instances.
Despite the increasing challenges, no critical close approaches necessitating CAMs were detected for Chandrayaan-3 or Aditya-L1. The report advocates for Space Traffic Management and the development of a universally accepted framework and best practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities, especially in light of the expanding space sector and ambitious ventures like mega-constellations and space tourism, where innovative solutions such as active debris removal and on-orbit servicing will be crucial for safe and sustainable operations.