Space Debris

Japan and India Collaborate on Laser-Equipped Satellites to Tackle Space Debris

Space Startups in Japan and India Partner to Combat Orbital Debris with Laser Technology

In a groundbreaking partnership, Japan-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics firm InspeCity announced plans to explore laser-equipped satellites to address the growing challenge of space debris. This innovative approach aims to mitigate orbital congestion by deploying advanced in-space services.


Innovative Laser Technology to Manage Space Junk

Orbital Lasers, a startup spun off from Japanese satellite giant SKY Perfect JSAT, is developing a laser system designed to stop the rotation of space debris by vaporizing its surface. This process facilitates the capture and de-orbiting of defunct satellites, paving the way for safer and more efficient orbital operations.

According to Aditya Baraskar, the company’s global business lead, the laser system is expected to be demonstrated in space and made available to operators post-2027. The technology could potentially be integrated into InspeCity’s satellites, provided regulatory approvals are secured in both Japan and India.


Strengthening Japan-India Collaboration in Space Innovation

This initiative is part of a broader collaboration between the two countries, which includes the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, slated for launch as early as 2026. Other joint efforts include Indian firms like Skyroot and HEX20 partnering with Japanese company ispace for lunar exploration projects.

Masayasu Ishida, CEO of Tokyo-based nonprofit SPACETIDE, highlighted the importance of leveraging complementary strengths in areas like disaster management, agriculture, and manufacturing to drive innovation and align with national initiatives such as India’s Make in India program.


Rising Need for Space Debris Management

The urgency of addressing space debris has been underscored by a United Nations panel on space traffic coordination. In October, the panel warned about the risks posed by the increasing number of satellites and orbital debris in low Earth orbit, calling for immediate action to track and manage these objects.

Nobu Okada, CEO of Japanese debris mitigation pioneer Astroscale, noted earlier this year that over 100 companies are actively engaged in the space servicing market, as satellite constellations continue to expand.


Pioneering New Frontiers in Space Servicing

The Japan-India partnership between Orbital Lasers and InspeCity is a promising step toward developing advanced space servicing solutions. With the backing of significant investments—$1.5 million raised by InspeCity in 2023 and ¥900 million ($5.8 million) secured by Orbital Lasers—the collaboration has the potential to reshape how the global space industry addresses orbital challenges.


Key Takeaways

  • Technology: Laser-equipped satellites to vaporize and stabilize space debris.
  • Timeline: In-space demonstrations planned after 2027.
  • Global Impact: Supports safe orbital operations and aligns with international efforts to mitigate space debris risks.
  • Partnerships: Strengthens Japan-India ties in space exploration and innovation.

Source: Reuters

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