Space startups from Japan and India announced on Tuesday a partnership to explore using laser-equipped satellites for tackling the growing problem of orbital congestion caused by space debris. The initiative represents an innovative approach to address a critical challenge in space sustainability.
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Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics firm InspeCity have agreed to study business opportunities for in-space services, including de-orbiting defunct satellites and extending the operational lifespan of spacecraft.
Laser Technology for Space Junk
Orbital Lasers, a startup spun off this year from Japanese satellite giant SKY Perfect JSAT, is developing a cutting-edge system that employs laser energy to vaporize small portions of space debris. This process can stop the debris' rotation, making it easier for servicing spacecraft to capture and de-orbit it.
The company plans to demonstrate its laser technology in space and make it available to operators by 2027. The system could potentially be mounted on InspeCity satellites, subject to regulatory approvals in both India and Japan, according to Aditya Baraskar, Orbital Lasers’ global business lead.
Partnership and Funding
The two companies have signed a preliminary agreement to initiate their collaboration. InspeCity, founded in 2022, raised $1.5 million in funding last year, while Orbital Lasers has secured 900 million yen (approximately $5.8 million) since its establishment in January.
Growing Space Traffic Concerns
The collaboration comes as concerns over space debris reach critical levels. A recent United Nations panel on space traffic coordination called for urgent action to track and manage objects in low Earth orbit due to the rapid increase in satellites and debris.
The space servicing market is expanding, with more than 100 companies already working on solutions to manage satellite constellations and mitigate orbital congestion, according to Nobu Okada, CEO of Japanese debris-mitigation pioneer Astroscale.
Strengthening India-Japan Space Collaboration
The partnership between Orbital Lasers and InspeCity is the latest example of growing commercial space ties between Japan and India. Both nations are also collaborating on the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, which could launch as early as 2026.
Additionally, Indian companies such as rocket maker Skyroot and satellite builder HEX20 are working with Japanese moon exploration firm ispace on future lunar orbiter missions. Japanese satellite data solutions are also being leveraged for India’s disaster management and agricultural needs, with potential for further collaborations in manufacturing and other sectors.
A Strategic Partnership
Masayasu Ishida, CEO of Tokyo-based nonprofit SPACETIDE, emphasized the importance of creating complementary partnerships that align with national policies like India’s “Make in India” initiative, which aims to boost local production.
“The key is finding where and how to build complementary relationships that benefit both nations,” Ishida said, highlighting the potential for continued growth in India-Japan space cooperation.
This initiative not only addresses a pressing issue in orbital sustainability but also underscores the expanding commercial and technological ties between two of Asia’s leading spacefaring nations.
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