Japan and India Collaborate on Laser-Equipped Satellites to Combat Space Debris

In a pioneering move to address the growing challenge of orbital congestion, Japanese and Indian startups have teamed up to study the feasibility of using laser-equipped satellites to remove space debris. This innovative collaboration seeks to leverage cutting-edge technology to mitigate the risks posed by defunct satellites and other debris cluttering low Earth orbit (LEO). The partnership underscores the increasing urgency of tackling space junk as satellite constellations rapidly expand.

A High-Tech Approach to Space Debris Removal
Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity have entered into a preliminary agreement to explore business opportunities in space services such as de-orbiting defunct satellites and extending spacecraft lifespans. Orbital Lasers, a spinoff from Japanese satellite giant SKY Perfect JSAT, is developing a sophisticated laser system designed to address the space debris problem.

The laser system works by vaporizing small portions of a debris object's surface. This targeted laser energy halts the rotation of space junk, making it significantly easier for a servicing spacecraft to rendezvous and safely de-orbit the object. Orbital Lasers aims to demonstrate this technology in space by 2027, after which it plans to supply the system to commercial operators. If regulatory hurdles in India and Japan are cleared, these laser systems could be mounted on InspeCity satellites, paving the way for practical deployment.

Startups with Big Goals
Both startups bring unique expertise to the table. InspeCity, founded in 2022, specializes in robotic solutions for in-orbit servicing and raised $1.5 million in funding last year. Meanwhile, Orbital Lasers has already secured 900 million yen (approximately $5.8 million) since its establishment in January 2024. This collaboration signals a bold step for these emerging players in the space servicing market, a sector that now boasts over 100 companies worldwide, according to Nobu Okada, CEO of Japanese debris mitigation pioneer Astroscale.

The Growing Space Junk Crisis
The increasing volume of satellites and debris in LEO has sparked widespread concern among scientists and policymakers. A United Nations panel on space traffic coordination recently emphasized the urgent need for global action to track and manage orbital objects. With thousands of satellites now in orbit—and many more planned for launch—the risks of collisions and cascading debris events, known as the Kessler Syndrome, are higher than ever.

Japan-India Space Ties Deepen
This project highlights the strengthening commercial and technological ties between Japan and India. The two nations are already collaborating on the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, a joint effort to explore the Moon's polar regions, which could launch as early as 2026. Indian companies such as rocket manufacturer Skyroot and satellite builder HEX20 are also working with Japanese lunar exploration firm ispace on future missions.

Japanese satellite data solutions have been instrumental in supporting India’s disaster management and agriculture sectors. Industry experts see this partnership expanding into new areas, including manufacturing and advanced satellite technologies. According to Masayasu Ishida, CEO of Tokyo-based nonprofit SPACETIDE, the collaboration aligns with national policies like India’s “Make in India” initiative, which focuses on boosting domestic production.

A Vision for Complementary Strengths
The success of joint ventures like this one lies in identifying complementary strengths that align with both nations' long-term goals. Japan’s expertise in satellite technology and India’s cost-efficient production capabilities create a synergy that could redefine commercial space operations.

As space debris becomes a critical challenge for the global space industry, the Japan-India partnership stands out as a bold and innovative effort to address this looming crisis. By combining advanced laser technology with a vision for sustainable space operations, the two nations could pave the way for safer, more efficient use of Earth's orbit.