In a unique development, the forthcoming launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will provide an opportunity for ten Indian space start-up companies to deploy their instruments into orbit. The upper stage of the rocket, typically discarded as space debris, has been ingeniously repurposed to accommodate numerous small-scale experiments. Dr. S Somanath, chairman of ISRO, emphasized that this initiative not only allows India’s space ecosystem to conduct experiments at a minimal cost but also transforms potential waste into valuable resources, as the upper stage would have otherwise contributed to space debris.
To support these start-ups, ISRO will offer communication links from space, along with a reliable power source and a designated area for the instruments. The selected start-ups will test green propulsion modules, conduct an edge computing experiment utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning, evaluate a radar system capable of day and night observation, and carry out three life science experiments. To facilitate these endeavors, the final stage of the PSLV has been modified to remain operational in space for several months and has been designated as the PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM). This module presents a valuable opportunity for the scientific community to perform specific microgravity experiments in orbit for up to three months, which would otherwise have been rendered as space debris immediately following the primary mission’s payload deployment. These experimental payloads are intended to serve as precursor tests to validate various proof-of-concept and enabling technologies for future missions.
The PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission is the fourth in the POEM series, carrying 24 payloads—14 from ISRO and 10 from various non-government entities (NGEs) through IN-SPACe. This marks a three-fold increase in payload capacity from the previous POEM-3 mission, which had eight payloads.The NGE contributions include diverse scientific studies, such as Amity University’s research on spinach plant cell growth in space, Bellatrix Aerospace’s green propulsion thrusters, and Manastu Space Technologies’ hydrogen peroxide propulsion system. GalaxEye Space Solutions will focus on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging, while MIT World Peace University will provide MEMS-based sensors. Other projects include Nspace Tech’s onboard transmitter demonstration, Piersight Space’s SAR demonstration, RV College’s gut bacterium growth study, and SJC Institute of Technology’s global Amateur Radio Satellite services. Additionally, TakeMe2Space will establish India’s first AI Lab in space.
The concept of space and space biology has always fascinated me, and participating in this mission is a dream come true. As Mission Manager Varshini GS stated, this is a pivotal moment for future generations to explore and contribute to humanity’s advancement. The data collected will not only enhance space medicine but also provide insights for Earth, such as advanced waste recycling systems and strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. Dr. Somanath highlighted the success of the POEM experiment, which enables start-ups to showcase their innovations in space and helps them secure real orders.
