Problem Statement:
The rapid growth in satellite launches and space missions has led to a surge in space debris, forming a “junkyard” of discarded rocket stages, non-functional satellites, and collision fragments in Earth’s orbit. This debris moves at extremely high velocities, making even small fragments hazardous to operational spacecraft and satellites. The density of debris significantly increases the probability of catastrophic collisions, leading to a cascading effect called the “Kessler Syndrome,” where each collision generates more debris, further endangering orbital safety.
Pain Points:
- Collision Risks: High probability of collisions damaging expensive assets.
- Tracking Difficulties: Limited ability to monitor and predict debris paths effectively.
- Mission Delays: Increased launch delays due to debris avoidance strategies.
- Insurance Costs: Rising premiums due to heightened risks.
- Satellite Lifespan Reduction: Damaged components lead to premature failure.
- Kessler Syndrome: Threat of an exponential increase in debris making certain orbits unusable.
- Regulatory Gaps: Lack of global coordination in debris management policies.
- Expensive Mitigation Measures: High cost of designing satellites with debris-proof systems or active removal mechanisms.
- Loss of Scientific Opportunity: Certain orbits become too hazardous for scientific missions.
- Operational Overhead: Frequent maneuvering to avoid collisions increases fuel consumption and operational complexity.
Product Vision :
Our product vision is to create a comprehensive space debris management platform that ensures the long-term sustainability of orbital space. This solution will integrate real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and active debris removal technologies to mitigate collision risks and extend the operational lifespan of satellites. Leveraging cutting-edge advancements in AI and robotics, the platform will address all stages of debris mitigation, from prevention to remediation.
The product will consist of three core components:
- Orbital Monitoring & Analytics Platform: A cloud-based service offering real-time debris tracking and collision prediction, accessible to satellite operators and space agencies.
- Active Debris Removal Service: Robotics-based solutions for capturing and deorbiting large, high-risk debris using modular systems.
- Debris Avoidance Advisory System: AI-driven software for maneuver planning to optimize satellite fuel use and minimize operational disruptions.
By addressing key gaps in affordability and scalability, the platform will offer subscription-based services to satellite operators and agencies, with additional pay-per-use options for debris removal.
Our unique strength lies in our expertise in AI, robotics, and space logistics, giving us a competitive advantage in creating a cost-effective, scalable solution. This vision aligns with growing regulatory mandates for orbital sustainability and the expanding commercial satellite market.
Use Cases:
- Collision Avoidance: AI alerts for collision risks and optimized maneuver planning.
- End-of-Life Disposal: Safely deorbiting defunct satellites.
- Small Debris Mitigation: Scalable solutions for debris <10 cm in size.
- Insurance Risk Reduction: Improved reliability reduces premiums.
- Mega-Constellation Management: Ensuring safety in crowded orbits like LEO.
- Orbital Traffic Coordination: Real-time updates for efficient orbit usage.
- Space Tourism Safety: Safeguarding orbital operations for emerging space tourism.
- Scientific Missions Support: Reducing risks for sensitive orbital research missions.
- International Regulatory Compliance: Tools to meet debris mitigation standards.
- Long-term Orbital Sustainability: Preserving key orbital zones for future missions.
Summary for Overall Research : Space debris, comprising defunct satellites, rocket stages, and collision fragments, has emerged as a critical challenge for the global space industry. This issue threatens operational satellites, human-operated missions like the ISS, and future technological advancements. Without immediate action, the cascading effect of debris collisions (Kessler Syndrome) could render key orbital regions unusable.
Our research identifies the pain points faced by satellite operators, space agencies, and emerging industries like space tourism. These challenges include collision risks, limited tracking capabilities, regulatory gaps, and high costs of mitigation. While competitors such as Astroscale and LeoLabs are addressing debris removal and tracking, key gaps remain in affordability, scalability, and comprehensive coverage of small debris.
To address these gaps, our proposed product combines real-time orbital monitoring, predictive analytics, and robotics-driven debris removal. The platform offers scalable solutions tailored to satellite operators, reducing operational risks and enhancing sustainability. Innovations such as AI-driven collision avoidance and modular debris capture systems ensure affordability and adaptability.
this platform aligns with the growing demand for orbital safety and sustainability, ensuring continued growth and exploration in space.
Research by: Shubham Thange MSc CA 2025 Modern College Pune
