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PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) and Space Debris

Context: ISRO’s PSLV-C58 mission successfully minimised space debris by transforming the spent fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) into an orbital platform named PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3).

What is PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)?

  • Developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) as a cost-effective space platform, POEM reuses the fourth stage of a PSLV rocket as an orbital platform.
  • First used in PSLV-C53 mission (June 2022) for in-orbit scientific experiments.
  • Powered by solar panels, and lithium-ion batteries, and has a navigation, guidance, and control (NGC) system for stability.
  • NGC uses sun sensors, magnetometer, and gyroscopes, and communicates with ISRO’s NavIC constellation for navigation.
  • Also has a telecommand system to communicate with ground stations.

POEM-C58 Mission

  • Launched on January 1, 2024, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
  • Deployed XPoSat satellite in its desired orbit and lowered the fourth stage (POEM-3) to a 350 km orbit for re-entry.
  • Carried nine payloads for various experiments by institutions like VSSC, Bellatrix Aerospace, TakeMe2Space, etc.
  • Completed 400 orbits by the 25th day, enabling all payloads to perform their experiments.
  • Re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on March 21, 2024.

Significance of Minimising Space Debris

  • Growing number of satellites creates space debris, posing a threat to operational satellites.
  • Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is crucial for intelligence gathering, communication, and navigation.
  • According to ISRO’s 2022 report, 2,533 objects were launched into space in 2022.
  • Debris also exists in Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) but in smaller quantities.
  • S. Space Command tracks debris larger than 10 cm in LEO and 0.3-1 metres in GEO.
  • Incidents like a discarded battery from the International Space Station damaging a house in Florida highlight the dangers of debris.
  • As per ISRO estimates, the number of debris objects larger than 10 cm in LEO is expected to reach 60,000 by 2030.
  • Currently, there are no international space laws for LEO debris, but most spacefaring nations follow the 2002 Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines by IADC.

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