December 22nd 2024.
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has some exciting experiments lined up for the upcoming PSLV-C60 mission, set to launch later this year. These experiments will take place on the POEM-4, the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket, which stays in orbit after launching a satellite.
One of the experiments involves testing seed germination in outer space. Eight cowpea seeds will be grown in a closed-box environment with active thermal control, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The goal is to sustain the plants until they reach the two-leaf stage. Similarly, Amity University in Mumbai will be studying the growth of spinach in microgravity using their Amity Plant Experimental Module in Space. This experiment will be conducted simultaneously on the ground and in space, providing insights into how plants sense gravity and light.
Another interesting experiment is the Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator, developed by VSSC. This robotic arm will demonstrate the capturing of tethered debris in space, using visual servoing and object motion prediction. It will also have the capability to refuel tethered and free-floating spacecraft in future POEM missions.
A Mumbai-based start-up, Manastu Space, will be testing their green propulsion thruster, Vyom-2U. This thruster uses a blend of hydrogen peroxide and in-house additives as fuel, with the goal of providing a safer and higher-performing alternative to hydrazine for space applications.
The PSLV Orbital Experiment Module will carry a total of 24 experiments, 14 of which are from various ISRO labs and 10 from private universities and start-ups. These experiments will demonstrate various technologies in space, such as a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in a CubeSat form factor, developed by Piersight Space-Ahmedabad. The SAR will be part of a future constellation of satellites that aim to monitor human and industrial activity at sea in near real-time.
Lastly, the PSLV-C60 mission will also be placing the twin satellites, 'Chaser and Target', in orbit to demonstrate space docking technologies. These technologies are crucial for building India's very own space station. With these experiments, ISRO is taking a step towards further advancements in space technology and exploration.
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