India unveils "Swachh Space" vision to make space activities debris-free by 2030
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims + Mains·
Space sustainability and debris management: a key GS3 Science & Technology and Space Governance topic.
Why in news
Union Minister of State for Science Jitendra Singh unveiled the 'Swachh Space' vision to make India's space activities debris-free by 2030.
Background
The 'Swachh Space' vision aims to eliminate new orbital debris from both government and private actors by 2030. Cosmoserve Space, a Hyderabad-based startup, is developing an Orbital Service Station to reduce servicing costs and clean crowded orbits.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TSwachh Space: India's vision to eliminate new orbital debris by 2030
- PlaceCosmoserve Space: A Hyderabad-based startup developing orbital cleaning technologies
- FactOrbital Service Station: Technology intended to reduce servicing costs in space
Prelims practice question
With reference to India's Swachh Space vision, consider the following statements:
- The Orbital Service Station is intended to reduce servicing costs in space.
- Cosmoserve Space is a startup based in Mumbai developing orbital cleaning technologies.
- The vision aims to eliminate new orbital debris by 2030.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)2 only
- (c)3 only
- (d)1 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: It is a Hyderabad-based startup.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the importance of space debris management in ensuring the long-term sustainability of orbital assets and India's role in global space governance.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory gap: Lack of binding international treaties on private actor debris liability
- Technical bottleneck: High cost of active debris removal (ADR) vs passive mitigation
- Orbital congestion: Risk of Kessler Syndrome threatening satellite constellations and GPS reliability
Keywords: Space Sustainability · Orbital Debris · Kessler Syndrome · Space Governance · Active Debris Removal
More Science & Technology notes
- Cosmoserve Space unveils Hyderabad facility to cut satellite servicing costs from $10 million · 6 November 2026
- Charge Robotics co-founder uses OpenAI model to find severe Ubuntu operating system vulnerability · 6 November 2026
- DRDO successfully flight-tests indigenously developed Pralay quasi-ballistic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island · 5 November 2026
- Karnataka aims to add 30 GW of renewable energy capacity over five years · 5 November 2026
- Palantir uses Ukraine battlefield data to train military AI for automated tactical decisions · 5 November 2026
- Wild Dolphin Project founder uses AI and Google DeepMind to decode dolphin communication · 5 November 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.