As more satellites launch into orbit — for communications, navigation, weather monitoring, Earth observation, and scientific research — space is becoming crowded and complex. With thousands of active satellites and millions of pieces of debris whizzing around at high speeds, even tiny fragments can cause catastrophic collisions. A single impact can create a cloud of debris that multiplies the danger for other spacecraft, a cascading threat known as Kessler Syndrome.
To address this growing risk, indian innovators and space agencies are developing advanced technologies and systems that monitor space traffic, predict collisions, and help satellites avoid accidents — without human operators having to make every decision manually.
🛰️ 1. Digantara Industries: indian Startup Making Space Safer
One of the most exciting developments comes from Bengaluru‑based Digantara Industries, a space technology company that has signed an agreement with Singapore’s Defence Science and technology Agency (DSTA). Under this collaboration:
- Digantara will co‑develop advanced tools for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) — the ability to track and monitor objects in orbit around Earth.
- These tools will help satellite operators get early alerts about possible collisions with space debris or other satellites.
- The technology uses AI‑powered analytics to sift through huge volumes of tracking data and identify risky approaches far in advance.
This partnership isn’t just about one country’s satellites; it reflects how Indian tech is being trusted internationally to build safer space operations.
🛰️ 2. ISRO’s Own Systems: NETRA and Collision Avoidance
The indian space research organisation (ISRO) has long recognised the danger posed by orbital debris. To counter it, isro developed Project NETRA (Network for space object TRacking and Analysis) — an indigenous early‑warning system that:
- Tracks satellites and debris using telescopes and radar networks.
- Predicts potential close encounters between objects in orbit.
- Provides data so operators can plan avoidance actions.
In fact, according to ISRO’s reports, ground teams regularly use this information to manoeuvre satellites and prevent crashes before they happen. These “collision avoidance manoeuvres” have already been used to protect valuable space assets from risk.
🤖 3. Smart software & AI for Predicting Collisions
It’s not just hardware — indian researchers and startups are also working on software platforms that use real‑time data to score and forecast collision risk. For example:
- Some platforms can simulate the future positions of space objects and calculate collision probabilities using orbital data.
- AI systems can help prioritise risks and automate warnings — crucial when thousands of satellites cross paths every day.
These tools are critical because the sheer scale and speed of space traffic make it impossible for humans to manually track and evaluate every potential danger.
🌐 4. international Cooperation and Shared Space Safety
India’s work in this domain is part of a broader global movement to make space safer. Space agencies and private companies worldwide — from governments to startups — are forming data‑sharing partnerships that help everyone access better space traffic information (e.g., the Stargaze SSA initiative by SpaceX that shares orbital data with all operators).
Such cooperation will help reduce accidents, protect millions of dollars’ worth of technology, and preserve a sustainable space environment for future missions.
⭐ Why This Matters
- 🌍 More satellites = more risk — collisions create debris that endangers all space activity.
- 🧠 Early warning and AI tech can identify hazards well before impacts happen.
- 🇮🇳 Indian innovations like Digantara’s SSA tools and ISRO’s NETRA system are helping secure space traffic globally.
- 🤝 International collaboration ensures that safety isn’t limited to one country’s satellites but benefits all spacefaring nations.
🛰️ In short: With smarter tracking systems, AI analytics, and international tech partnerships, indian technology is becoming a key part of the global effort to prevent accidents in space and protect satellites from collision risks — ensuring a safer future for space exploration and services.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel