Japan-India Collaboration on Space Debris Removal

• 17 Dec 2024

On 17th December 2024, Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers (Japan) and Indian robotics company InspeCity announced a joint initiative to explore laser-equipped satellites for space debris removal, addressing the growing issue of orbital congestion.

Key Points

• Laser-Based Technology: Orbital Lasers aims to stop space debris rotation by vaporizing surface material with laser energy, enabling smoother de-orbiting processes.
• In-Space Services: The collaboration will study business opportunities for debris removal and satellite life extension.
• Demonstration Timeline: Orbital Lasers plans to showcase the system in space by 2027.
• Preliminary Agreement: Both companies signed a preliminary deal to begin the collaboration, pending regulatory clearances in India and Japan.
• Market Expansion: With over 100 companies in the space servicing market, the initiative aligns with growing international efforts to tackle orbital traffic.
• Japan-India Space Ties: The partnership builds on ongoing collaborations, including the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission and commercial ventures in disaster management and agriculture.
• Policy Alignment: The tie-up complements India’s Make in India initiative and fosters technology-sharing between the two nations.