Japan and India have announced a collaboration to study the use of laser-equipped satellites to address the growing problem of space debris.

• This innovative approach aims to mitigate the increasing congestion in Earth’s orbit, which poses significant risks to both operational satellites and future space missions.
• Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity have signed a preliminary agreement to explore business opportunities in in-space services, such as de-orbiting defunct satellites and extending the lifespan of spacecraft.
• Orbital Lasers, a spin-off from Japanese satellite giant SKY Perfect JSAT, is developing a system that uses laser energy to vaporize small parts of space debris, thereby stopping its rotation and making it easier for servicing spacecraft to capture and remove the debris.