Breaking Update: Here’s a clear explanation of the latest developments related to Breaking News:Discuss the major technological and operational challenges in maintaining large Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. Analyse how mega-constellations affect orbital safety and space sustainability. – INSIGHTS IAS– What Just Happened and why it matters right now.
Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space,
Q6. Discuss the major technological and operational challenges in maintaining large Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. Analyse how mega-constellations affect orbital safety and space sustainability. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question
Mega-constellations like Starlink have rapidly expanded in Low Earth Orbit, making satellite internet a major frontier of digital infrastructure. This has simultaneously raised concerns about space congestion, collision risks, debris growth and long-term sustainability of near-Earth space.Key Demand of the question-
The question demands identification of the major technological and operational challenges in maintaining large LEO constellations. It also requires analysis of how such mega-constellations impact orbital safety and the sustainability of the space environment.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Write about LEO constellations as “mass-scale space infrastructure” enabling broadband, but creating new challenges of reliability, replacement cycles and orbital crowding.Body
- Write on challenges such as tracking and collision avoidance, satellite reliability and short lifespan, replacement logistics, spectrum coordination, and ground network complexity.
- Write on sustainability impacts such as orbital congestion, debris generation risks, strain on tracking systems, disposal and de-orbit compliance, and impacts on astronomy.
Conclusion
Conclude with the need for space traffic management, enforceable debris norms and responsible constellation design to ensure safe and sustainable use of LEO.