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An Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) experimental module, POEM-4, recently re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and impacted the Indian Ocean after a successful mission in orbit. Despite the fiery conclusion, ISRO officials clarified this was a planned deorbit, not a malfunction. The POEM-4 mission, part of India’s commitment to space debris mitigation, successfully hosted numerous payloads and achieved its objectives before its controlled descent.
POEM-4 Mission Concludes with Planned Re-entry
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officially confirmed on April 4th the intentional deorbiting of its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle Orbital Experimental Module 4 (PSLV POEM-4), marking the culmination of its successful endeavor.
Launched on December 30th aboard an ISRO Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, POEM-4 served as an experimental platform during the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission.
Successful Payload Operations and Data Collection
According to ISRO‘s statement, “POEM-4 accommodated a total of 24 payloads during its operational lifespan, comprising 14 from ISRO and 10 from diverse non-governmental entities. All payloads performed as intended, generating valuable scientific data.” The Space Docking Experiment mission, which showcased India’s pioneering autonomous docking capability in space, also met its goals.
Deorbit Maneuver and Safe Re-entry over Indian Ocean
To prevent POEM-4 from becoming a hazard as space debris, ISRO initiated a controlled deorbiting process. Flight controllers guided the rocket stage on a trajectory to impact the Indian Ocean. Residual propellant was vented to eliminate risks of explosion or fragmentation during atmospheric re-entry. The module completed its descent at 8:03 a.m. Indian Standard Time on April 4th (0233 GMT, 9:33 p.m. April 3rd EDT), impacting north of Australia within the Indian Ocean.
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Commitment to Space Debris Mitigation
ISRO officials emphasized, “The secure re-entry of POEM-4 reinforces ISRO‘s dedication to limiting the expansion of space debris. This achievement underscores ISRO‘s significant contribution to the enduring sustainability of the outer space environment and the pursuit of a Debris Free Space Mission.”