Debris retrieval to gut bacteria, Isro’s nextPOEM has many firsts

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• ISRO’s PSLV-C60 mission, scheduled for December 30, 2024, will deploy two satellites for the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) and host 24 innovative payloads on its PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4) platform.
• The mission includes “firsts” such as a robotic arm to capture space debris and India’s first astrobiology experiments developed by students.

Key Highlights of the Mission

1. Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)

• Main Objective: Demonstrate satellite docking and undocking in space.
• Satellites: SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target).
• Significance: Only Russia, US, and China have achieved docking → India aims to become the 4th nation.

2. PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4)

• Converts PSLV’s spent 4th stage into an experimental orbital platform.
• 24 payloadsonboard:
  • 14 from ISRO/Department of Space units.
  • 10 from educational institutions & private entities.

3. Key Payloads on POEM-4

(a) Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator

• Robotic arm with visual servoing & motion prediction systems.
• Demonstrates capture & manipulation of a released debris cube tethered to the arm.
• Future Applications: Active space debris management & satellite servicing.

(b) CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies)

• Aims to develop ISRO’s capability for growing and sustaining plants in space.
• Will study plant callus growth in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) under microgravity vs Earth conditions.

(c) India’s First Astrobiology Payloads (Student-led)

• RV College of Engineering (Bengaluru) – Team Antariksh:
  • First microbiological payload in space.
  • Studies growth kinetics of gut bacterium under microgravity.
  • Significance: Astronaut health, microbiome studies, bioremediation, waste management, antibiotic research.
• Amity University (Mumbai):
  • Focus on plant biology & space agriculture.
  • Could aid long-term extraterrestrial habitation strategies.

Significance

• Space Docking Tech: Critical for Gaganyaan (human spaceflight), Chandrayaan-4 sample return, and future Indian space station (BAS).
• Debris Capture: Supports sustainable space environment & aligns with India’s space debris mitigation commitments.
• Astrobiology & Plant Growth Studies: Advances life sciences in space, crucial for crew health & long-term missions.
• POEM Platform: Promotes start-up & student participation, fostering indigenous innovation.
  
  
  Updated - Dec 22, 2024, 11:24 PM | TOI