Dec 17, 2024, 2:35 PM
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Highlights
  • Space startups Orbital Lasers from Japan and InspeCity from India have agreed to collaborate on removing space debris using laser technology.
  • This partnership aims to develop methods for de-orbiting defunct satellites and extending the operational life of existing spacecraft.
  • The agreement signifies a mutual commitment between Japan and India to address the growing space debris crisis and enhance their cooperative endeavors in the space sector.
Story

In a significant collaborative effort, space startups from Japan and India have agreed to jointly investigate the application of laser-equipped satellites for the removal of increasingly concerning space debris. This decision comes amidst a growing urgency highlighted by a United Nations panel, which reported that action is essential to effectively manage and track the increasing number of objects in low Earth orbit. The collaboration was officially announced in Tokyo, with the Japanese company Orbital Lasers and the Indian firm InspeCity taking the lead in this innovative project. The two companies, which are relatively new in the space industry, have outlined a strategic plan focused on developing the technology necessary to employ lasers for the de-orbiting of defunct satellites and the extension of living space for operational spacecraft. Orbital Lasers, which spun off from SKY Perfect JSAT in early 2024, has devised a method to utilize laser energy that involves vaporizing parts of space junk’s surface, thereby ceasing its rotation and facilitating the rendezvous of servicing spacecraft. This ambitious technological approach is aimed at demonstrating its effectiveness in space by the end of 2027. The partnership marks a mutual acknowledgment of the pressing need to address the issue of orbital debris, which poses substantial risks to satellite operations and future space missions. With the rapid increase in satellite launches, the debris situation has evolved into a critical concern, prompting immediate actions and innovative solutions in the space servicing market. Numerous companies have entered this arena, representing a combined tactical effort towards maintaining the sustainability of space activities. In addition to addressing debris, the partnership is an emblematic representation of broader cooperation between Japan and India in the space sector. Both nations have been exploring collaborative ventures, including joint missions such as the Lunar Polar Exploration mission scheduled for launch in 2026. Building on their shared interests, this new agreement holds the promise for further advancements in technology, expansion of services, and the enhancement of capabilities that align with both nations' policies on local production and cooperative growth in the space industry.

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