The increasing number of space debris, or “Ghost Rockets,” resulting from anti-satellite (ASAT) missile tests, are creating a potentially dangerous situation for astronauts in space. This growing issue has been likened to a ‘ticking time bomb’ due to its potential to cause catastrophic damage to both manned and unmanned spacecraft.
ASAT missile tests, conducted by nations to demonstrate their capability to neutralize satellites in the event of a conflict, create a large amount of space debris. These tests have been widely criticized by the international community due to their contribution to the already significant problem of space debris. In 2007, a Chinese ASAT test produced over 3,000 trackable debris and an estimated 150,000 smaller particles. A similar test by India in 2019 also generated a significant amount of debris.
Space debris, or ‘Ghost Rockets’, are defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from disintegration, erosion, and collisions. Traveling at high speeds, even small pieces can pose a significant threat to operational satellites and space stations. For example, the International Space Station (ISS) has to perform regular “debris avoidance maneuvers” to avoid collision with this debris.
There is a growing concern within the space community about the risk these ghost rockets pose to the safety of astronauts and the functionality of satellites. The ISS, for instance, is home to astronauts from multiple countries at any given time. A collision with space debris could be catastrophic, potentially resulting in the loss of life and billions of dollars in damages.
Although there are international guidelines aimed at mitigating space debris, the enforcement of these guidelines is challenging due to the lack of a centralized governing body for space activities. This has led to calls for the creation of a space traffic management system to monitor and control the activities of various nations in space.
The 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, also known as the Space Liability Convention, is a treaty that states a launching state is liable for damage caused by its space objects. However, the treaty needs to be updated to address the current situation, including the proliferation of small satellites and the potential impact of space debris on them.
In conclusion, the increasing number of ghost rockets resulting from ASAT tests is a serious concern for the safety of astronauts and operational satellites. It underscores the urgent need for effective space traffic management and stricter enforcement of international guidelines to mitigate the creation of space debris.
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