POEM-4

09.04.2025

POEM-4

Why in the news?                        

Recently, POEM-4 re-entered the Earth's atmosphere and made an impact in the Indian Ocean, as monitored by ISRO’s IS4OM (System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management).

What is POEM-4?

• POEM-4, or PSLV Orbital Experiment Module-4, is a space research platform developed by ISRO that utilizes the spent fourth stage (PS4) of the PSLV rocket as an orbiting experimental module in space.
• It is part of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission and represents the fourth deployment of the POEM series, following POEM-3.
• POEM-4 has a three times larger payload capacity than its predecessor, POEM-3, marking a major advancement in reusing upper rocket stages for scientific research.
• Total of 24 payloads were hosted on POEM-4: 14 payloads from ISRO and 10 payloads from non-government entities (NGEs) including start-ups and academic institutions

Notable payloads include:

• Walking Robotic Arm (RRM-TD): A robotic manipulator capable of inchworm-like motion, aimed at enabling inspection and servicing tasks in space.
• Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator: Developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), this innovation assists in space debris collection and manipulation, aligning with global efforts in space clean-up.
• Gradient Control Reaction Wheel Assembly (RWA): Designed by ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), this system enhances attitude control and stabilization of the POEM platform using reaction wheels.

Launch and Mission Details:

• POEM-4 was launched on December 30, 2024, aboard PSLV-C60, which also carried twin SPADEX satellites to a 475 km altitude.
• After satellite deployment, the PS4 upper stage was reconfigured as POEM-4 and continued in a nearby orbit, serving as an experimental platform.
• POEM-4 was then de-orbited by restarting its engine and brought to a circular orbit at 350 km altitude with a 2° inclination.
• The stage was passivated (leftover fuel vented) to prevent accidental break-up and ensure safe operations in orbit.

                                                           Source: The Hindu

What is POEM-4 recently seen in the news?

A.A deep-sea mining initiative by India

B.A climate change monitoring satellite

C.A space research platform developed by ISRO

D.A quantum computing mission launched by DRDO

 Answer C