The Chief of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has recently opined that in order to go beyond the Earth’s orbit, there is a recent need to develop skills.
“Need to Develop Skills”
Speaking recently at the 42nd edition of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), the ISRO chief S Somnath has recently said.
“We also need to develop skills, especially when you are looking at future exploration, possibly not within the Earth’s orbit, but also far beyond Earth’s orbit, especially in the Earth-moon systems as well as in solar planetary exploration. I think all those areas are also becoming crowded. Especially domains like the moon are also becoming crowded. I believe that this group will be looking at that aspect as well in greater detail in the coming days…,”
He further Said India is undertaking the process to create mechanisms and structures to make sure that debris isn’t produced much.
“We are creating mechanisms and structures within the space systems so that impact generated debris is not propagated substantially in large numbers. A lot of this has been going on in the last many years very well. We need all those activities much stronger in the coming days, “said Somnath. Later issuing a declaration that by 2030, India will aim to create debris free space.
Non-Functional Space Objects
While talking about non-functional space objects, the ISRO Chief further said “As far as ISRO is concerned we have a very clear laid out program in space exploration and space utilization. Currently we have 54 spacecraft in our orbit, plus there are non-functional objects. We have been taking very careful action wherever it is possible to dispose of or remove the space object from its active role once it is over and re-orbit and bring it to a safe location…”
400 Km Orbit Under Protection
He further proposed to ensure that the orbit within the ambit of 400 kilometers is under protection.
Speaking more about this he said
“Our long-term space program definitely looks at debris and its mitigation as one of the important topics. With the goal of building a space station in the coming days, we look at an orbit where there are more space stations coming up at 400 km. I think this area should be protected for sustained human presence in space,”
Need To Relook Space Agreements
Later during the course of the inaugural speech, he stressed on the review of various space agreements to lessen the level of debris generation in the space.