The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced an initiative to achieve debris-free space missions by 2030. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated that the policy, set to be implemented by January 2025, will apply to all Indian space actors, both governmental and non-governmental. The initiative aims to address the growing concern of space debris, which poses risks to operational satellites and future missions.
ISRO has already demonstrated efforts in this direction by deorbiting spent rocket stages to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. The organization plans to review agreements with all space stakeholders, including commercial entities, to ensure compliance with debris mitigation strategies, contributing to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.