ISRO Achieves Zero Orbital Debris Mission with PSLV-C58/XPoSat

ISRO Achieves Zero Orbital Debris Mission with PSLV-C58/XPoSat The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked another milestone in its illustrious journey on March 21, 2024, by accomplishing a zero orbital debris mission through its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The success came with the completion of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3), described as “another milestone” by the space agency.

The achievement was a result of meticulous planning and execution, culminating in the controlled re-entry of the PSLV terminal stage into the Earth’s atmosphere. ISRO proudly announced that the PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission left practically zero debris in orbit, signifying a significant leap in space debris mitigation efforts.PSLV

The journey towards achieving this feat began with the PSLV-C58 mission, which was successfully launched on January 1. After deploying all satellites into their designated orbits, the terminal stage of the PSLV was repurposed into the POEM-3, a 3-axis stabilised platform.

ISRO engineers meticulously deorbited the stage from its initial altitude of 650 km to 350 km, facilitating its early re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. Special measures were taken to passivate the stage, removing residual propellants to minimize the risk of accidental break-up.

POEM-3 was equipped with nine experimental payloads, including six contributed by Non-Government Entities (NGEs) through the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN’SPACe). These payloads aimed to conduct technology demonstrations and scientific experiments, with all mission objectives being met within a month.

The upper stage’s orbital decay was continuously monitored, with projections indicating its impact in the North Pacific Ocean on March 21, 2024, at 14:04 UTC (19:34 Hrs. IST). Throughout the mission, ISRO’s ground stations, including the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) and the Multi-Object Tracking Radar (MOTR) at Shriharikota, played crucial roles in tracking and monitoring the stage.

The successful execution of POEM-3 underscores ISRO’s commitment to providing a cost-effective platform for conducting short-duration space experiments. By leveraging the POEM platform, academia, startups, and NGEs have been able to explore new frontiers in space research and technology development.

In addition to facilitating experiments, POEM-3 incorporated advanced features such as total avionics in a single-chain configuration, industrial-grade components, and standard interfaces for electric power, telemetry & telecommand. These enhancements enabled smoother operations and enhanced performance throughout the mission.

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and realizing the POEM, augmenting the 4th stage of the PSLV. With PSLV-C58/XPoSat marking the third successful mission in the series, ISRO has demonstrated its expertise in executing complex space missions with precision and efficiency.

Looking ahead, ISRO remains committed to providing a conducive environment for space experimentation while addressing the growing menace of space debris. By implementing advanced debris tracking systems, space-object deorbiting technologies, and responsible satellite deployment practices, ISRO aims to safeguard orbital environments for present and future space endeavors.

In conclusion, the achievement of a zero orbital debris mission represents a significant triumph for ISRO and reinforces India’s capabilities in space exploration and technology development. As the space agency continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the possibilities for scientific discovery and exploration in space are boundless.