ISRO is strengthening efforts to control space debris and satellite congestion in Low Earth Orbit through disposal measures and active debris removal.

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• The government informed the Rajya Sabha that ISRO is implementing measures to address increasing satellite congestion and debris in Low Earth Orbit.
• The Debris Free Space Mission aims to protect operational spacecraft and reduce the creation of additional debris through multiple mitigation measures.
• Active Debris Removal is among the approaches being considered to address dangerous objects already present in Earth’s orbital environment.
• Growing satellite constellations containing thousands of spacecraft are increasing the possibility of collisions and creating additional challenges for space operations.
• Non-manoeuvrable satellites and small difficult-to-track debris pose significant risks because spacecraft may have limited ability to detect or avoid them.
• ISRO has participated in the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee since 1996, contributing to international efforts on monitoring and mitigation.
• The initiative also focuses on satellite end-of-life disposal, while Indian space regulations require recognised practices to reduce long-term orbital debris.