Although space exploration has long captivated humanity, this frontier is now being increasingly influenced by expanding commercial and geopolitical interests as well as technological advancements, resulting in reduced cost of spacecraft launches. Rising digital connectivity through services such as direct-to-consumer broadband access is also expected to propel the growth of cost-effective access to space. However, as India turns to the skies for broadband and 5G backhaul, a growing cloud of space junk threatens to derail telecom ambitions. Space debris or space junk constitutes substances such as paint flecks belonging to functioning space stations or large non-functional spacecraft. A study estimates that the global space race leads to approximately 0.75 million tracked fragments of debris, and around 80 tonnes of orbital litter re-enters the earth annually. Space debris not only has repercussions for India’s outer space industry and cascading effects for the planet, but it is also a major concern for the country’s burgeoning satellite communications (satcom) industry. As India works towards its goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, it is imperative to decarbonise the space sector to enable holistic growth.
Impact of space junk
Most space junk resulting from celestial pursuits is concentrated in low earth orbit (LEO) and can have seriously detrimental consequences. According to researchers, space debris increases the risk of catastrophic collision between space shuttles due to the high speeds – up to 8 km per second – at which objects orbit the planet. Another major threat is orbit explosions caused by residual fuel after a rocket stage or satellite has been cast off in the earth’s orbit, since the harsh environment of space can deteriorate the mechanical integrity of spacecraft parts, causing leaks and/or the mixing of various fuels that trigger self-ignition. These fuels typically include hypergolic fuels, solid fuels, kerosene and cryogenic fuels (liquid hydrogen). Additionally, satellite interceptions by surface-launched missiles have also been a contributor to space debris.
The issue is not limited to space; it has domino effects for the planet, too. The release of atmospheric pollutants from satellites into the stratosphere exacerbates this problem as it leads to the depletion of the ozone layer. This, in turn, causes global warming. Moreover, if space debris lands on the earth, it can cause serious damage to health as it contains highly toxic fuel residue. These hazardous chemicals can also harm nearby flora and fauna, having significant implications for the ecological chain.
Space junk also has serious ripple effects for the country’s growing satcom and connectivity industry. Researchers also believe that mounting debris in space could lead to the Kessler syndrome, where certain orbital spaces – particularly LEO – become unavailable. Analysts suggest that the economic fallout of disruptions to global connectivity caused by satellite collisions could amount to as much as $3.6 trillion worldwide. This figure reflects the heavy reliance of modern economies on satellite infrastructure, which underpins essential services such as navigation, telecommunications, weather forecasting, financial transactions and global trade logistics. Any large-scale disruption in satellite networks would, therefore, not only affect businesses and governments but also ripple down to everyday activities like internet access, air travel coordination and emergency response systems. The sheer scale of the projected loss highlights the vulnerability of a digital, interconnected world to risks emerging from orbital mishaps.
To add to this, the sky is not the limit when it comes to aerospace insurance, which usually encompasses launches, the placement of satellites into orbit and the lifespan of satellites. The space insurance segment is now incorporating clauses around space debris mitigation remedies, crash avoidance protocols and end-of-life discarding plans. This translates into rising premiums for satellite operators and space ventures as insurance companies have to factor in higher risk when underwriting space missions. At the same time, life insurers may claim that orbital deaths are not covered, as most policies exclude deaths caused by hazardous activities.
Looking ahead, scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have reported that the shrinking of the upper atmosphere caused by greenhouse gases could reduce the carrying capacity of the most commonly used orbital regions (200-1,000 km altitude) by 50-66 per cent. In other words, climate change is expected to decrease the number of satellites that can easily and safely orbit in space and become a major setback for space explorers.
Efforts to tackle the space junk menace
Numerous multinational initiatives have been made to lessen the effects of space debris and advance space sustainability, recognising the global nature of the issue. For instance, to promote responsible behaviour in space, the United Nations Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) has been hard at work formulating suggestions for the sustainable long-term use of space. The UN also put an end to the use of mercury as a propellant starting 2025 due to its toxicity. Meanwhile, the European Union has proposed a new Space Act on June 25, 2025, to enhance the regulatory monitoring of satellite operators. This would require companies to address their influence on space pollution and debris or risk heavy fines. With its National Orbital Debris Mitigation Plan, 2022, the US has likewise taken the initiative in this field. The three pillars – debris remediation, tracking and classification, and debris mitigation – comprise the 44 actions outlined in this plan.
To address the growing difficulties of operating in a crowded space environment, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management was created. Its purpose is to concentrate all efforts on spaceflight safety and debris reduction. To the greatest extent feasible, ISRO complies with the globally recognised space debris mitigation recommendations suggested by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee and UN-COPUOS. ISRO is also leading the recently announced Debris Free Space Mission project, which aims to have all Indian space players, both governmental and non-governmental, complete debris-free space missions by 2030. The programme supports international space sustainability initiatives and establishes India as a country that places a high priority on the sustainability, safety and security of space operations. This topic is also included in the Indian Space Policy, 2023.
Orbital litter mitigation technologies
Some of the most promising technologies to remove space junk include:
- Harpoon-based technology systems secure large pieces of debris and safely reposition captured debris to minimise collision risks.
- Another solution is deploying a massive net to catch debris and stop it from drifting farther in orbit.
- Laser ablation is the process of altering the direction of tiny trash particles using lasers that are either ground-based or space-based.
- Magnets or electromagnets are used in magnetic capture devices to draw in and hold on to space junk that contains magnetic metals, such as abandoned spacecraft and rocket components.
- A more accurate way to collect and move trash in space is with robotic arms and claws.
Commercial opportunities for Indian telcos
For Indian telcos, the challenge of space junk also represents commercial opportunities. By leveraging their strengths in connectivity, data integration and scalable infrastructure, telcos can position themselves as crucial partners in global efforts to make orbital operations safer and more sustainable.
One promising avenue lies in investing in in-orbit servicing technologies. Satellites designed to repair or reposition malfunctioning spacecraft, or even actively de-orbit space junk, are gaining traction worldwide. Indian telcos, in collaboration with domestic start-ups and ISRO, can help fund and create service-oriented business models around these technologies. Such investments would not only strengthen their role in the space economy but also open up revenue streams from international operators who increasingly seek cost-effective, reliable debris management solutions.
Telecom operators also have a strong case for entering the domain of ground-based tracking and coordination networks. Effective debris removal and collision avoidance depend on accurate, real-time data. Telcos, with their expertise in building dense terrestrial networks, can develop advanced tracking stations and data relay systems that support global space situational awareness platforms. By offering debris-tracking data as a service, Indian telcos could establish themselves as indispensable players in both domestic and international satellite operations.
Another area of opportunity lies in influencing satellite design and operations. The telecom sector, as one of the biggest consumers of satellite services, can advocate for design standards that reduce debris risk. For instance, ensuring all telecom satellites are equipped with propulsion capabilities for controlled re-entry or are designed with modular, serviceable parts will set a benchmark for responsible operations. By making sustainability a business requirement, telcos can stimulate demand for innovative engineering solutions across the Indian space ecosystem.
Finally, design innovations represent a direct area of commercial collaboration. Telcos can work alongside manufacturers to experiment with lighter materials, automated docking systems for in-orbit servicing, and enhanced propulsion units. Supporting such research and development initiatives through investments or procurement contracts ensures a more resilient satellite fleet while lowering life cycle costs.
In essence, India’s telecom sector is uniquely positioned to connect ground infrastructure, orbital technologies and international sustainability demands. By taking an active part in debris mitigation, telcos not only safeguard the future of their satellite-based services but also tap into a high-growth global market, where India can emerge as both a service provider and a standard-setter.
Nikhaar Gogna
