Close to 60 startups have registered with ISRO since the opening up of space, a major portion of them dealing with space debris management. Other proposals deal with ground systems, nano-satellites, launch vehicles, etc.
Speaking at the inauguration of ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Operation” (IS4OM), Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, that private players and innovative startups can augment the role of the Department of Science in protecting India’s interests in Space by developing all-round capabilities in the domains of space transportation, debris management, infrastructure and applications.
With space population, including that of operational satellites and orbital debris, increasing there is an enhanced threat of collision and damage by a satellite or a spacecraft. While in 1957, there were only two space debris floating over India, today the number has increased to 25,000, said Dr Singh.
The IS4OM scheme aims at aiding India in achieving its SSA (Space Situational Awareness) goals by providing comprehensive and timely information of the Space environment to users.
