Space is very important for human life and environment. We get essential information like weather, communication, direction and disaster management from space only, but there are also a large number of human-made satellites and old remains of rockets roaming in the orbits around the Earth. Which is called 'space debris' i.e. garbage of space. This waste is becoming a major threat to active satellites and astronauts. Keeping this serious problem in mind, the Government of India has started 'Clean Space Mission' (Debris Free Space Mission), the main objective of which is to free the space from debris by the year 2030.
what is india 'Debris Free Space Mission'?
This initiative was announced in the year 2024. The main objective of this mission is not only to clean up old space junk, but also to prevent new space debris from being created in the future by Indian government and private space activities.
According to available estimates, there may be more than 100 million pieces of human-made debris orbiting the Earth. According to information provided by the government in March 2026, at that time only 129 pieces of debris (which includes defunct satellites and rocket remains) associated with Indian space missions were recorded in orbit.
Why is space debris dangerous??
Objects rotating in orbit move very fast. In such circumstances, even a small piece can cause serious damage to the surface of any satellite, solar panel or other equipment. Due to collision of any big piece, it breaks into innumerable smaller pieces, which increases the risk of future collision. Therefore, it is essential to design new missions in such a way that they do not remain in space for a long time after their use.
India's goals and plans
India aims to eliminate new waste generation from Indian space missions by the government and private sector by 2030. ISRO's planning takes debris into account from mission design to its end. Satellites and rockets should be made in such a way that their parts do not break uncontrollably.
After the mission is completed, the satellite is brought down from its orbit and enters the Earth's atmosphere, where it burns up due to friction. This process is called 'de-orbit'. For this reason, emphasis is being laid on keeping sufficient fuel quantity in the satellite.
Netra (NETRA) Program and Technical Role
Before removing garbage from space, it is necessary to know where it is and in which direction it is going. ISRO's 'NETRA' program helps in monitoring objects in Earth's orbit and assessing the situation in space. This system plays an important role in protecting satellites from possible collisions. The approved cost of this project is Rs 509.01 crore.
Additionally, India's 'Spadex' mission has successfully demonstrated the technology for rendezvous, rendezvous and separation of spacecraft in space in 2025, which will prove useful in future servicing and debris removal. Private companies are also contributing in developing robotic devices and satellite servicing technology in this field. Collaboration is also being done with NASA and other space agencies globally to make space safe and sustainable.