Bengaluru: Why is the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) so upbeat after crashing its PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4) into the Indian Ocean?
Well, this is rocket science after all.
ISRO claims that bringing back POEM-4 – the specially configured upper stage (PS4) of PSLV-C60 – to Earth was a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment towards space debris mitigation. This is part of ISRO’s Debris Free Space Mission or DFSM.
PSLV-C60 successfully launched twin SPADEX satellites on December 30, 2024.
“After injecting the satellites into a 475 km orbit, POEM-4 was maneuvered into a lower, nearly circular orbit at an altitude of 350 km, with a 55.2-degree inclination, by restarting its engine. It was later passivated by venting residual fuel to reduce the risk of accidental breakup,” it has been stated by ISRO.
ISRO also confirmed that during its operational life in orbit, POEM-4 hosted 24 payloads – 14 from ISRO and 10 from non-government entities. “All the payloads performed successfully and delivered valuable scientific data,” it has been stated.
POEM-4, while in orbit, was constantly tracked by ISRO’s radar facilities and the United States Space Command. Re-entry predictions were updated regularly by the ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM).
Cheers went up as POEM-4 was guided to a safe spot in the Indian Ocean and crashed.
Space debris has become a matter of concern for all nations involved in space missions. The debris – parts of rockets, dead satellites or even flecks of paint – poses significant risks to operational satellites and spacecraft as they travel at high speeds. No wonder, measures are being taken to bring back as much material as possible after every mission.
