TOKYO/NEW DELHI: In a groundbreaking initiative, space startups from Japan and India have announced a collaboration to study the use of laser-equipped satellites to address the growing problem of space debris. This innovative approach aims to mitigate the increasing congestion in Earth’s orbit, which poses significant risks to both operational satellites and future space missions.
Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity have signed a preliminary agreement to explore business opportunities in in-space services, such as de-orbiting defunct satellites and extending the lifespan of spacecraft. Orbital Lasers, a spin-off from Japanese satellite giant SKY Perfect JSAT, is developing a system that uses laser energy to vaporize small parts of space debris, thereby stopping its rotation and making it easier for servicing spacecraft to capture and remove the debris.
The laser-equipped satellite system, which Orbital Lasers plans to demonstrate in space by 2027, represents a significant advancement in space debris management. By vaporizing parts of the debris, the system can effectively reduce the risk of collisions in space, which can create even more debris. This technology can be mounted on InspeCity satellites, pending regulatory approvals in both India and Japan.
The collaboration comes at a time when the issue of space debris is becoming increasingly urgent. A United Nations panel on space traffic coordination recently emphasized the need for immediate action to track and manage objects in low Earth orbit. With the rapid increase in satellite launches, the risk of collisions and the creation of additional debris has become a critical concern for the global space community.
This partnership is the latest example of the growing cooperation between Japan and India in the space sector. Both countries are already working together on the joint Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, which could launch as early as 2026. The collaboration between Orbital Lasers and InspeCity highlights the potential for innovative solutions to address common challenges in space exploration and sustainability.