20 of India's 22 Low-Earth Orbit Satellites Face Elevated Collision Risk: Govt

India's rapidly expanding space programme is facing an increasingly complex challenge as 20 of the country's 22 active satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are exposed to a higher risk of collisions with other satellites and space debris. The revelation was made by Union Minister Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, highlighting the growing congestion in Earth's busiest orbital region.

The minister explained that satellites positioned in Low Earth Orbit, below an altitude of 2,000 kilometres, are particularly vulnerable because this region contains a dense concentration of operational satellites, discarded rocket stages and millions of fragments of space debris. As more countries and private companies launch spacecraft into orbit, the risk of accidental collisions continues to rise.

To safeguard its space assets, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been actively monitoring orbital traffic and taking preventive measures. Singh informed Parliament that ISRO has already carried out nine collision avoidance manoeuvres in 2026, compared to 20 such manoeuvres during 2025. These carefully planned orbital adjustments help satellites steer clear of potential collisions that could damage spacecraft or create even more hazardous debris.

The government also stressed that India is playing an active role in global efforts to tackle the growing space debris problem. ISRO participates in international forums such as the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and the United Nations Working Group on the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities (UN-LTS). According to Singh, ISRO has made significant technical contributions to the revised global guidelines aimed at reducing the creation of space debris.

Reaffirming India's commitment to responsible space operations, the minister said the country's Debris Free Space Mission, announced in 2024, seeks to achieve zero debris generation by all Indian government and private space actors in the foreseeable future. With the number of satellites in orbit increasing every year, experts believe stronger debris mitigation measures and international cooperation will be crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of space operations.