ISSAR 2024, the second annual Indian Space Situational Assessment Report released by ISRO, provides critical insight into the rising space traffic, growing space debris, and the global challenges of ensuring space sustainability. As access to space becomes increasingly affordable and frequent, the report—compiled by ISRO’s IS4OM—presents a detailed assessment of both global and Indian space activities during 2024, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated efforts in managing Earth’s increasingly congested orbits.
Global Scenario: A Record Year for Launches and Fragmentation Events
According to ISSAR 2024, the year witnessed 261 launch attempts, with 2578 operational satellites added to orbit—reflecting humanity’s growing dependence on space-based systems. Although slightly fewer than 2023’s object count, three major on-orbit breakups led to a net addition of 702 fragmented objects to the space environment.
One notable event was the fragmentation of China’s Long March (CZ-6A) rocket stage, which alone added approximately 650 catalogued fragments. In total, 3665 objects were added to the space object population in 2024, compared to 3135 in 2023. The year also saw intense solar activity, further complicating orbital decay patterns and increasing satellite re-entries.
The Rising Threat of Space Debris
A major concern highlighted in ISSAR 2024 is the continued increase in space debris, especially in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). With each satellite breakup or uncontrolled re-entry, Earth’s orbital regions grow more congested, heightening the risk of in-space collisions.
In 2024, 2095 catalogued objects re-entered the atmosphere — the highest number recorded. This included a large-scale deorbiting of early Starlink satellites, showing how even deliberate disposal adds to atmospheric congestion.
India’s Role: Monitoring and Managing Orbital Assets
India made significant contributions to global space traffic in 2024, with five successful launches from Sriharikota and additional payloads launched via SpaceX missions. By year-end, India had 136 satellites in orbit, including those operated by government, private, and academic entities.
To protect these space assets, ISRO performed detailed Space Object Proximity Analysis (SOPA), issuing over 53,000 alerts in collaboration with USSPACECOM. As a result, 10 collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAMs) were executed for Indian satellites in LEO and GEO, along with close approach assessments for planetary missions like Chandrayaan-2 and Aditya-L1.
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New Approaches to Space Sustainability
Post-Mission Disposal (PMD) and Decommissioning
ISRO emphasized responsible practices, including the de-orbiting of satellites and upper rocket stages. Notably, Cartosat-2 became ISRO’s first LEO satellite to be deliberately de-orbited at end-of-life, reducing its orbital lifetime from 30+ years to under 4.
POEM Missions
The POEM-3 and POEM-4 missions turned spent rocket stages into experimental platforms before safely de-orbiting them. These innovative missions reduce debris while enabling low-cost technology testing.
International Collaboration and Debris-Free Mission Goals
ISRO played a key role in global space debris coordination, chairing major forums like the Inter-Agency Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and the UN Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability. A major milestone was the declaration of India’s intent for a Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) by 2030, aiming for 99% compliance in post-mission disposal.
The Way Forward: Urgent Need for Space Traffic Management
The ISSAR 2024 report makes it clear: space traffic is intensifying, and without a formal Space Traffic Management (STM) framework, risks of collisions and mission failures will only grow. As mega-constellations become more common, the coordination burden on satellite operators is increasing.
ISRO’s NETRA project is actively expanding India’s capabilities in space object tracking, with new radar and optical installations in progress. This enhanced Space Situational Awareness (SSA) infrastructure is critical for ensuring safe operations in an increasingly congested orbital environment.
Conclusion: A Call for Global Action
The ISSAR 2024 report underscores the dual reality of space: it is more accessible and useful than ever — but also more dangerous. As space traffic rises and space debris accumulates, coordinated international action is the only path forward.
With proactive efforts like the Debris Free Space Mission and expanding SSA capabilities, India is setting an example in promoting responsible space behavior. But the challenge of safeguarding orbital space requires collective vigilance, innovation, and global cooperation.
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