The Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023

April 30, 2024

The Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023, compiled by ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM) and released by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, has revealed that more space objects were placed in orbit in 2023 compared to the previous year, indicating a growing trend in space object population.

Global Scenario

3,143 objects added in 2023 from 212 launches and on-orbit breakup events (vs 2,533 objects from 179 launches in 2022)
Five major on-orbit breakup events in 2023
Net addition of 69 fragmented objects to space debris population by end of 2023

Indian Scenario

Total of 127 Indian satellites launched till December 31, 2023
22 operational satellites in LEO and 29 in GEO owned by Govt. of India as of December 31, 2023
Three active Indian deep space missions: Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter, Aditya-L1, and Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module
21 Indian satellites re-entered atmosphere till end of 2023 (8 in 2023 alone, including controlled re-entry of Megha-Tropiques-1)
82 rocket bodies from Indian launches in orbit till 2023 (35 re-entered, 5 in 2023)

About ISRO’s Collision Avoidance Efforts

Collision Avoidance Analysis (COLA) is a crucial process conducted by space agencies, including ISRO, to ensure the safety of their spacecraft and satellites. COLA involves assessing the risk of potential collisions between space objects and taking necessary measures to prevent them. This analysis considers factors such as the size, speed, and trajectory of the objects. Based on the results, collision avoidance maneuvers (CAMs) may be performed to adjust the spacecraft’s orbit and minimize the risk of collision, thereby protecting valuable space assets.

ISRO regularly assesses close approaches to Indian space assets through IS4OM/ISTRAC
Collision avoidance maneuvers (CAMs) carried out when necessary
1,37,565 close approach alerts received from USSPACECOM in 2023
3,033 alerts for close approaches within 1 km detected for ISRO satellites
Around 2,700 close approaches observed with other operational satellites within 5 km
Coordination with international agencies like SpaceX and EUMETSAT when needed
23 CAMs carried out in 2023 (18 in LEO, 5 in GEO) to protect Indian space assets, an increasing trend
No concerning close approaches detected for Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 during Earth-bound phase

International Cooperation

India is a signatory of all major space treaties and places high importance on long-term sustainability of outer space activities
ISRO actively participates in international forums like IADC, IAA, IAF, ISO, and UN-COPUOS
India chairs the UN working group on Long-term Sustainability of outer space activities
ISRO to host the 42nd annual IADC meet in April 2024 as the chair for 2023-24

The growing space object population and the increasing number of close approach alerts and CAMs highlight the need for a universally accepted framework for Space Traffic Management (STM).

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