Are there any rules to stop space junk from increasing?

In one line

The rule

Space agencies and countries follow international guidelines to reduce space debris, like removing old satellites and not leaving parts in orbit.

Some main rules:

• Remove satellites from orbit after use ("end-of-life disposal").
• Avoid explosions in space.
• Track and avoid collisions.

Let's understand it simply

Imagine you are playing cricket in your lane. If everyone leaves their bats, balls, and stumps lying around after the game, soon there will be no space to play. The street will be full of junk, and someone might trip or get hurt. Space is like that lane. Old satellites, broken rocket parts, and tiny bits of metal are left behind after missions. These are called space junk (also called space debris). If we don't clean up, it becomes dangerous for new rockets and satellites. So, just like we have rules to keep our playground clean, there are rules for keeping space clean.

How it works

1. Planning before launch: Agencies plan how to remove the satellite after its job is done.
2. Moving to a safe place: Old satellites are moved to a lower orbit (to burn up in the atmosphere) or a higher "graveyard orbit" (where they won't bother anyone).
3. No explosions: Fuel tanks are emptied so they don't explode and create more junk.
4. Tracking debris: Big pieces of junk are tracked from Earth to avoid crashes.
5. International agreements: Countries agree to follow these steps, but not everyone always does.

The story behind it

The problem of space junk started in the late 20th century, as more satellites and rockets were sent up. In 1978, a scientist named Donald Kessler warned that too much junk could cause a chain reaction of crashes (the "Kessler Syndrome"). This made space agencies take the problem seriously. The United Nations (UN) and other groups made guidelines, like the "UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines" in 2007. India, the US, Russia, China, and others have agreed to follow these, but there is no single law for everyone.

Where you see it in real life

• ISRO's Cartosat satellites: After their job, ISRO moves them to a lower orbit to burn up in the atmosphere.
• International Space Station (ISS): The ISS sometimes moves to avoid large pieces of junk tracked from Earth.
• Rocket launches: Agencies now design rockets so leftover parts fall safely into the ocean or burn up, not stay in space.
• Satellite graveyard orbits: Old TV satellites are pushed far away from working satellites to avoid accidents.
• China's 2007 anti-satellite test: Destroyed a satellite, creating thousands of pieces of debris—this showed why rules are needed.
• Tracking by radar: Agencies like NASA and ISRO use radar to watch big pieces of junk and warn if a crash might happen.

Why it matters

• Safety of astronauts: Even a small bolt can damage a spacecraft or hurt astronauts.
• Protecting satellites: We rely on satellites for TV, weather, GPS, and internet. Junk can destroy them.
• Future missions: More junk means it is harder and riskier to launch new missions.
• International cooperation: Space is for everyone, so all countries must work together to keep it safe.

Worked example

Let's say ISRO launches a satellite for 5 years. What should they do after?

Given: Satellite is at 800 km above Earth, job is done.
Step 1: Follow the rule – Remove from orbit.
Step 2: Fire engines to lower orbit so it burns up in the atmosphere.
Step 3: If not possible, move to a "graveyard orbit" above 36,000 km.
Step 4: Make sure no fuel is left (to avoid explosions).
Step 5: Confirm with tracking that it is no longer a risk.

Common mistakes

• Thinking there are strict laws: There are only guidelines, not strict laws with punishments.
• Believing all countries follow the rules: Some countries or private companies may not follow them fully.
• Assuming small debris is harmless: Even tiny pieces can cause big damage because they move very fast.
• Forgetting about old missions: Many old satellites and rocket parts from before these rules are still up there.

Remember it

Space is like our playground—if we don't clean up, it becomes too dangerous to use. Rules help, but everyone must follow them for space to stay safe.