The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said that the cryogenic upper stage of the LVM3 M4 launch vehicle has made an uncontrolled re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere on November 15.
- LVM3 M4 launch vehicle has launched India’s Chandrayaan-3 moon mission.
- This rocket body (NORAD id 57321) was part of the vehicle that successfully injected the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into the intended orbit of 133 km x 35823 km with a 21.3o inclination on July 14, 2023.
- According to the ISRO, the post-mission orbital lifetime of the LVM3 M4 Cryogenic upper Stage is, thus, fully compliant with the “25-year rule” for LEO (Low Earth Orbit) objects as recommended by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC).
- It further added that post-Chandrayaan-3 injection, the upper stage had also undergone passivation to remove all residual propellant and energy sources to minimise the risks of accidental explosions as per the space debris mitigation guidelines prescribed by the United Nations and IADC.
- Passivation and Post-mission disposal of this rocket body in adherence to the internationally accepted guidelines once again reaffirms India’s commitment to preserve the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
25-year rule for LEO (Low Earth Orbit)
- The threats of space debris are increasing with the launch of multi-satellite constellations, particularly in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Currently, the general guideline is that satellites in LEO must deorbit or be placed in graveyard orbit within a maximum of 25 years after the completion of their mission.
- However, on September 29, 2022, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a new rule to reduce this requirement to 5 years for US-licensed satellites, as well as those from other countries that seek to access the US market
