POEM-4 is an innovative project by ISRO, India's premier space agency. Unlike conventional rocket upper stages that become space debris after launching satellites, POEM-4 transforms this upper stage into a functional laboratory in space. It is specifically designed to carry out and test various experiments and technologies in orbit.
The PSLV-C60 mission, which took place on December 30, 2024, was responsible for launching several satellites, including the SPADEX spacecraft, and placing POEM-4 into orbit. This mission marked a significant milestone in India's space endeavors.
Once in orbit, POEM-4 enabled scientists and companies to conduct experiments in the unique microgravity environment of space. By March 4, 2025, it had successfully completed 1,000 orbits around the Earth, proving its effectiveness as a testing platform.
POEM-4 hosted a diverse range of experiments. Here are a few notable examples:
Both ISRO and private companies, known as Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs), contributed experiments to POEM-4. The mission featured a total of 24 payloads, including 10 from NGEs and 14 from ISRO/DOS, showcasing collaborative efforts in space research.
POEM-4 is distinguished by its use of the Vikram3201 computer chip, a "Made-in-India" technology for its main computer. Additionally, it employed a novel star sensor for enhanced navigational accuracy and a superior stabilization system that extended its operational duration in orbit by at least 45 days compared to previous POEM missions.
POEM-4 serves as a cost-effective platform for testing new technologies in space, fostering private sector involvement in space research, and advancing India's capabilities in aerospace technology. It has successfully carried the largest number of payloads of any POEM mission to date.
The term "spent upper stage" refers to the upper portion of a rocket that is typically discarded in space after it has completed its mission. "Spent" indicates that it has exhausted all its fuel and is no longer needed for the launch. POEM-4 creatively repurposes this component into a valuable research platform.
SPADEX, which stands for Space-based DEbris ex-situ experiment, is a satellite mission launched alongside POEM-4. It aims to test technologies for rendezvousing and docking in space, contributing to future space operations.
A Nano star sensor is a compact and precise instrument that assists a spacecraft in determining its orientation by measuring star positions. This technology functions similarly to a sophisticated compass in the vastness of space.
Q1. What is the purpose of POEM-4?
Answer: POEM-4 serves as a laboratory in space, allowing various experiments in microgravity, enhancing India's space research capabilities.
Q2. How many payloads did POEM-4 carry?
Answer: POEM-4 successfully carried a total of 24 payloads, including contributions from both ISRO and private companies.
Q3. What unique technology did POEM-4 use?
Answer: POEM-4 utilized the Vikram3201 computer chip and a new type of star sensor for improved navigation in space.
Q4. Why is POEM-4 considered innovative?
Answer: It repurposes a spent rocket stage into a functional laboratory, enabling cost-effective technology testing in space.
Q5. What is the significance of SPADEX?
Answer: SPADEX is a mission designed to test technologies for space rendezvous and docking, enhancing future space operations.
Question 1: What does POEM-4 stand for?
A) Payload Optimization and Experimental Module 4
B) Practical Orbital Experiment Module 4
C) Payload Operations and Experiment Management 4
D) Payload Operations and Experimental Module 4
Correct Answer: D
Question 2: What is the primary function of POEM-4 in space?
A) Launching satellites
B) Conducting scientific experiments
C) Space debris management
D) Testing rocket engines
Correct Answer: B
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