The race to space has been one of humanity’s greatest achievements, but with our increasing presence in orbit comes a less glamorous challenge: space congestion. The problem is real, and it’s growing. NASA’s Orbital Debris Program Office estimates that there are currently over 21,000 fragments larger than 10 cm in orbit. These aren’t just small pieces of junk—they’re high-speed threats that can damage or destroy multi-million-dollar satellites, spacecraft, and space stations. Additionally, over 100,000 particles between 1 and 10 cm pose significant risks to vital space infrastructure.
As more private companies and governments launch satellites, space congestion is becoming a serious concern. From climate change monitoring to GPS systems and financial transactions, many of the technologies we rely on are vulnerable. This is why managing space traffic and removing debris has become a critical focus. One company leading the charge in this field is ERETS Space, leveraging innovative technologies to tackle the challenge head-on.
The Growing Issue of Space Congestion
Space congestion isn’t just about crowded skies; it’s about the growing risk of collisions that could lead to the infamous “Kessler Syndrome.” This scenario predicts that space debris will multiply exponentially as collisions create more fragments, leading to even more crashes. Such a chain reaction could render certain orbits unusable for decades, making future missions and satellite operations impossible in those areas.
Dr. Abhiram Nair, CEO and founder of ERETS Space, believes that the time for action is now. “We are at a critical point where we need to make space sustainable for future generations. The more we delay, the more difficult and costly it will become to manage the debris problem,” he says.
Space is not an infinite expanse where we can simply keep adding more and more satellites. With countries and companies launching constellations of small satellites for communication and observation, congestion is only going to increase. Efficient traffic management, therefore, is crucial, and that begins with smarter debris removal.
ERETS Space is making significant strides in active debris removal (ADR) by employing a range of technologies that work in tandem to detect, track, and eliminate space debris. One of their core innovations is the use of low-cost sensors paired with AI-driven navigation systems that can locate and capture debris more efficiently than ever before. These systems, combined with electric propulsion technologies, ensure that ADR missions are both sustainable and cost-effective.
“Our goal at ERETS is to create a smarter system for traffic management that prioritizes debris removal without requiring exorbitant budgets. By using AI and electric propulsion, we’re reducing costs while increasing precision,” explains Dr. Nair.
ERETS Space’s low-cost sensors help identify debris in real time, providing an accurate and dynamic picture of where debris is and where it’s headed. This real-time tracking makes it possible for spacecraft to avoid collisions, minimizing the risk to satellites and missions. Moreover, the electric propulsion system provides the ability to maneuver efficiently in space, ensuring precise movements with minimal fuel consumption.
By integrating these systems, ERETS Space has developed a smarter, leaner solution for traffic management in space—one that reduces the danger posed by debris while lowering operational costs.
A crucial aspect of ERETS Space’s approach is the use of AI-assisted collision avoidance systems. In the past, debris tracking relied on ground-based observation and manual calculations, a process that could take hours or days. This delay increased the likelihood of collisions. With AI, however, calculations are made in real time. AI systems not only track the debris but also predict its trajectory, allowing spacecraft to autonomously adjust their course to avoid collisions.
This AI-driven approach allows space traffic to be managed more efficiently and proactively. “What we’re doing with AI isn’t just reacting to space debris—we’re predicting and preventing problems before they occur. That’s where the real innovation lies,” says Dr. Nair.
He believes that debris removal is only one part of the equation. “We need to start thinking long-term. This isn’t just about cleaning up space today; it’s about creating systems that will keep space traffic flowing smoothly for decades to come,” he says.
A large part of the vision revolves around international collaboration. Space is a shared resource, and addressing the debris issue will require coordination between countries and organizations. “There are a lot of actors in space today, and we need to ensure that we’re all working toward the same goal—preserving space for future generations,” Nair adds.
The company is actively involved in discussions around establishing global regulations and norms for space debris mitigation. Abhiram notes that just like we have international agreements for air traffic management, we need to implement similar systems for space. These regulations will help guide the responsible use of AI in debris removal and ensure that all nations contribute to space sustainability.
