Space Debris: Assessing Risks and Strategic Mitigation for Sustainable Space Operations: A Qualitative Study

As scientific inventions make significant strides in modern times, humans have made considerable progress in scaling worlds beyond our own. This has resulted in our species exploring outer space, wherein each day brings along novel avenues of planetary exploration. However, with each innovation directed towards it, there has risen a continuous threat of increasing space debris beyond our immediate atmosphere [1]. Space Debris can be defined as a byproduct of humans’ expanding presence in outer space. Although normal human vision cannot see space debris in the sky, it often marks its presence in low Earth orbit (LEO) [2]. This has emerged as a highly concerning challenge in the current times. Beyond being an eminent threat to planet Earth and its residents, it also poses a hurdle to sustainable space operations [3]. Space debris comprises objects such as inactive satellites, spent rocket stages, fragments from collisions, and other defunct objects. This poses a significant threat to various extra-terrestrial entities such as operational satellites, human-crewed missions, and future space exploration [4]. This exponential increase in orbital debris, along with the growing dependency of mankind on space-based technologies has amplified concerns over the long- term sustainability of Earth’s orbital environment [4] [3]. This paper aims to examine the plethora of risks space/orbital debris poses. It further explores the current and futuristic strategies that can be applied for its mitigation. Building on the same, the paper will also elaborate upon the critical threats posed by space debris, such as significant financial losses, hurdled communication networks, and cascading debris creation which is also known as the Kessler Syndrom [5]. Another crucial threat that such significant debris accumulation causes is its re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. This poses a risk to terrestrial safety [6]. What makes these risks more critical are the scientific and technological limitations in tracking, predicting, and managing the growing debris population. Even though the current detection systems are highly advanced, they often fall short in monitoring smaller debris fragments that are highly hazardous due to their high velocities [7]. Moving further, we will look into the various efforts that are being made to mitigate space debris. These include both active and passive strategies, which not only focus on preventing debris generation through improved satellite design, end- of-life disposal protocols, and adherence to international guidelines, but also include key aspects of debris removal techniques such as robotics arms, nets, and lasers deployment [8]. Even though these solutions are innovative and promising, they are still in their nascency and thus face key technological, financial, and legal challenges. Lastly, as we consider the regulatory frameworks, international organizations such as the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and other space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have put forward various guidelines. These frameworks aim to address the growing challenge related to space debris. However, the implementation of these guidelines is also impacted occasionally owing to the lack of binding agreements and enforcement mechanisms. This results in a lack of global compliance [9] [10]. The paper will also shed light on case studies of successful debris management missions and as a result highlight emerging technologies that could impactfully transform space debris mitigation. Moreover, the paper will further explore the importance of establishing international collaboration to advance research and increase debris management investments. Thus, it can be seen that space debris presents a critical challenge that requires immediate coordinated attention from not just governments and space agencies, but also from the private sector entities. Once the risks associated with the same are meticulously analysed, strategic mitigation measures can be implemented. This will allow humans to safeguard the orbital environment for future generations. It will also enable them to ensure the sustainability of space operations better.