Ahmedabad: NID students set to solve space debris issue, develop robust int’l space law

Conscious of the fact that dealing with space debris is a global issue, students of National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, are working on a project to address the problem through design intervention. Post-graduate students Christopher Richard, Neel Mehta, Shubham Raut of Product Design department are looking at the issue as part of their Systems Design project.

Speaking in details about the project, Mehta said: "Space debris are artificial man-made non-functional objects in space often left behind by satellites, etc. Growing debris is a concern, given that humans are now so much dependent on services offered by satellites that the debris might prohibit our access, which would result in a technological setback. Since debris travel at an average speed of 17,000 kmph, it makes it very complex to deal with. The project revolves around mitigation of space debris, responsible use of space, effects and impacts of various space activities and how common man can relate to the big scientific world of space. We also hope to find opportunities areas and pitfalls in order to frame a holistic space law and policy for India."

The team is looking to come up with viable solutions for salvaging space debris and preventing the creation of more besides developing a robust space law that gives necessary guidelines to settle international disputes. The main focus is on how to make common man relate and empathise to such an entity which is out of sight, and hence out of mind.

The 10-week-long project that began in February this year involved students spending considerable time on understanding the topic, the stakeholders and different pain-points in the area. "On April 22, we conducted a workshop at Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre with children. The workshop revolved around making kids aware about space debris and tapping their unbiased creativity. One of the activity was creating a superhero which can clean up debris," added Mehta.

The team said: "While international bodies have formed agencies to mitigate the situation and lifecycle principles such as design for demise, which insists that a satellite must deorbit and burn on re-entry into the earth's atmosphere, we need to think about how to design satellites for collision to minimize the debris it might create. We are looking at design interventions in various areas that include preventing creation of new debris, designing sustainable solution, create awareness about the same." The project will get over in May.