Orbital debris, commonly referred to as space junk, encompasses defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments resulting from disintegration, erosion, and collisions. These remnants pose a significant risk to active satellites and spacecraft, given the high velocities at which they travel in space, potentially leading to destructive collisions.
In a commendable effort to address the issue of space debris, ISRO achieved near-zero debris levels in the PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission. This was accomplished by converting the final stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) into a temporary orbital platform known as POEM-3. After fulfilling its mission objectives, POEM-3 was de-orbited, intentionally lowered to re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up, effectively eliminating debris.
POEM-3, or the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3, is an innovative orbital platform developed by ISRO utilizing the spent fourth stage of a PSLV rocket. It serves multiple purposes, including conducting scientific experiments in space with payloads from diverse research institutions and startups. Additionally, it acts as a testbed for technologies aimed at minimizing space debris.
By reusing the spent rocket stage as an experimental platform and subsequently de-orbiting it safely, POEM-3 plays a crucial role in debris mitigation. This strategy ensures that it does not contribute to the long-term debris in orbit, thereby reducing risks to other space assets.
Space debris poses a significant threat to operational satellites, manned spacecraft, and space stations. Collisions with such debris can cause substantial damage or even destruction due to the high velocities involved. Moreover, these collisions can generate additional debris, further exacerbating the problem.
Space agencies worldwide are adopting various strategies to combat the issue of space debris. These include designing missions that minimize debris, enhancing debris monitoring and management practices, and adhering to guidelines established by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), endorsed by the UN. These guidelines advocate for the responsible use of space to curtail debris creation.
ISRO's achievement of minimizing debris is significant as it exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing the escalating problem of space debris. By successfully implementing debris mitigation strategies in the PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission and ensuring the safe disposal of the POEM-3 module, ISRO sets a benchmark for future missions to incorporate sustainable practices in space exploration.
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