In an ambitious step to address the growing issue of orbital congestion, Japanese startup Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics firm InspeCity announced in December 2024, their plans to study the use of laser-equipped satellites for debris removal.
Orbital debris, often referred to as space junk, includes all non-functional, human-made objects in Earth’s orbit, such as defunct satellites, rocket fragments, and collision debris. Traveling at speeds of up to 18,000 mph, this debris poses significant risks to operational satellites and spacecraft, including the International Space Station.
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The partnership aims to develop an innovative system that uses laser energy to stop the rotation of space junk by vaporizing small surface areas, simplifying the process for servicing spacecraft to capture and de-orbit defunct satellites. Orbital Lasers, a spin-off from Japan’s satellite operator SKY Perfect JSAT, plans to demonstrate the laser system in space by 2027. Meanwhile, InspeCity, founded in 2022, is exploring opportunities to integrate the technology into its satellite platforms, pending regulatory approvals in both countries.
The agreement comes as global organizations raise alarms about the dangers of unchecked orbital debris. A United Nations panel on space traffic coordination recently underscored the need for urgent measures to manage low Earth orbit congestion, citing risks from the increasing volume of satellites and space junk.
This partnership reflects broader trends in Japan-India space collaboration, including their joint Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission set for 2026 and partnerships between Indian firms like Skyroot and HEX20 with Japanese lunar exploration company Ispace. According to Masayasu Ishida, CEO of Tokyo-based nonprofit SPACETIDE, such alliances are aligned with India’s “Make in India” initiative, promoting local production while leveraging Japan’s technological expertise.
As the space industry grows more crowded, the success of projects like this could play a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of near-Earth orbit for future generations.
