News Brief
From Robotic Arm To AI Lab In Space: Here Are The 24 Cutting-Edge Experiments Set To Launch With ISRO’s POEM-4 Mission
ISRO's PSLV (Pic Via Twitter
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the PSLV-C60 mission, featuring the fourth iteration of the Polar Synchronous Launch Vehicle-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4).
This mission utilises the spent fourth stage of the PSLV as a platform for conducting microgravity experiments, extending its functional life and reducing space debris.
The POEM platform is designed to support research for up to three months, providing opportunities for the scientific community to validate proof-of-concept technologies and enabling experiments for future missions.
POEM-4: A Threefold Expansion
POEM-4 represents a significant advancement in capacity, hosting 24 payloads compared to the eight carried by its predecessor, POEM-3.
Of these, 14 payloads are developed by ISRO/Department of Space centres, and 10 are contributed by academia and start-ups through IN-SPACe.
These payloads cover a wide range of research areas, including robotics, propulsion, biosciences, and space technologies.
Payloads Developed by ISRO/DOS
Walking Robotic Arm (RRM-TD): Developed by the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), this 7-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator demonstrates inchworm-style walking capabilities for in-orbit servicing tasks.
Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator: Designed by VSSC, this payload tests debris capture technologies using visual servoing and object motion prediction in space.
Reaction Wheel Assembly (RWA): This IISU payload studies the attitude stabilisation of the POEM platform using advanced reaction wheel systems.
Multi-Sensor Inertial Reference System (MIRS): Developed by IISU, MIRS evaluates newly miniaturised inertial sensors in space.
Lead Exempt Experimental System (LEXS): VSSC's payload tests lead-free electronics in the microgravity environment to align with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) standards.
MEMS-Based High Angular Rate Sensor: Developed by VSSC, this sensor is designed to measure angular rates and validate its performance in space.
Payload Common Onboard Computer (P-COC): SPL's onboard controller operates and manages multiple sensors for scientific experiments.
Electron Temperature Analyser (ETA): SPL's ETA measures electron temperature and density in the low-latitude ionosphere.
Electron Density and Neutral Wind (ENWi): Part of the IDEA-V2 payload, this SPL system studies ion and electron drift for ionospheric research.
Langmuir Probe (LP): Another component of IDEA-V2 from SPL, this probe measures ionospheric properties such as electron density and electric fields.
Ionospheric TEC Measurement (PLASDEM): A collaborative payload from SPL and IISU that measures plasma-spheric electron content using NavIC frequencies.
Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS): VSSC's automated system examines plant growth in microgravity.
PILOT-G2 (GRACE): Developed by IIST, this payload tests CubeSat UHF communication boards and studies the space radiation environment.
Payloads from Academia and Start-ups
Amity Plant Experimental Module in Space (APEMS): Developed by Amity University, this module studies the growth of plant callus in microgravity.
BGS ARPIT: A payload by SJC Institute of Technology providing global amateur radio satellite services using FM modulation.
RVSat-1: Developed by RV College of Engineering, this experiment studies the growth kinetics of gut bacteria in space.
Green Propulsion Systems - RUDRA 1.0 HPGP: Bellatrix Aerospace's payload tests an advanced green monopropellant-based thruster.
Green Propulsion Thruster - VYOM-2U: Manastu Space Technologies' payload demonstrates hydrogen peroxide-based monopropellant thrusters.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Demonstration Payload (GLX-SQ): GalaxEye Space Solutions showcases SAR imaging and data compression technologies.
Varuna: Piersight Space’s payload demonstrates a CubeSat SAR system with advanced subsystems.
Swetchasat: Developed by Nspace Tech, this payload demonstrates UHF communication for advanced space missions.
MEMS-Based Inertial Measurement Unit (STeRG-P1.0): MIT WPU tests commercial MEMS sensors and ARM microcontrollers for attitude determination.
MOI-TD: TakeMe2Space's AI lab in orbit performs real-time processing of Earth observation data using machine learning.
Key Technological and Scientific Goals
The payloads onboard POEM-4 are designed to validate critical technologies and conduct experiments across a spectrum of disciplines.
These include advancements in robotic manipulation, propulsion systems, ionospheric studies, and plant biology in space.
Payloads contributed by academia and start-ups expand the mission's scope to include innovative technologies such as AI applications, microbiological experiments, and global communication capabilities via amateur radio systems.
