The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) says it carried out 23 collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAM) to safeguard satellites in 2023.
The incidents were detailed in the recently-released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR).
ISRO received approximately 137,565 close approach alerts from the US Space Command, of which 3,033 involved satellites passing within 1 km of each other, the report said.
The manoeuvres were carried out to prevent potential collisions between satellites.
ISRO Carried Out 23 Satellites Saving Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres in 2023
© Photo : ISRO/ISSAR report
The rapidly-increasing number of satellites in space presents unprecedented challenges for the management of space traffic, especially due to the lack of an internationally-recognized framework for effectively regulating and navigating Earth's crowded orbits.
The problem requires satellite operators to work together in ad-hoc coordination to address potential conflicts. However, the task is becoming more intricate due to the overcrowded nature of popular orbital regimes.
Last year saw a rise in the number of collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAMs) carried out by ISRO, although no specific interventions were required for high-profile missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, the report said.
New space ventures like mega constellations, space tourism and extended human presence beyond Earth are increasing the risk of collisions and space debris.
The report also emphasized the remarkable re-entry of eight Indian satellites. Among them, the controlled descent of Megha-tropiques-1 stands out as a feat achieved through a rigorous de-orbiting exercise.
Moreover, 82 rocket bodies have been placed into orbit by Indian launches last year, with 52 fragments of the PSLV-C3 still orbiting following an accidental breakup in 2001, the report said.