PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved another milestone with the successful re-entry of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) into the Earth’s atmosphere, leaving no debris in orbit.
- The PSLV-C58 which took place on January 1, 2024, has demonstrated ISRO’s commitment to responsible space operations and debris mitigation.
- POEM-3 was equipped with nine different experimental payloads to conduct technology demonstrations and scientific experiments on newly developed indigenous systems.
- Six of these payloads were delivered by Non-Government Entities (NGEs) through IN-SPACe.
- The mission objectives of these payloads were successfully met within a month of the launch
- The final stage of the PSLV was converted into a 3-axis stabilized platform known as POEM-3.
- The stage was then deorbited from an altitude of 650 km to 350 km, facilitating an expedited re-entry process.
- Measures were also taken to passivate the stage, including the removal of residual propellants, to reduce the potential risks associated with accidental break-ups.
