PSLV-C60 Mission Set To Launch Twin Satellites For India's Space Station

The PSLV-C60 mission is gearing up for a launch by the end of the year, with the ambitious goal of deploying the 'Chaser and Target' twin satellites. These satellites are integral to demonstrating the docking technologies essential for the creation of India's own space station. This mission forms a part of the larger initiative under the PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM), which will execute 24 experiments in space. These experiments, drawn from ISRO’s diverse labs and in collaboration with private universities and start-ups, aim to advance various space technologies.

Among the innovative experiments slated for the POEM-4, the fourth stage of ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) that continues in orbit post satellite deployment, is the study of seed germination in zero-gravity conditions. Specifically, this will involve the cultivation of eight cowpea seeds up to their two-leaf stage within a tightly controlled environment onboard. This experiment is a part of the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS), a project developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

Another groundbreaking experiment is being conducted by Amity University, Mumbai, which focuses on understanding how spinach grows in a microgravity setting. This study, known as the Amity Plant Experimental Module in Space (APEMS), will be conducted simultaneously in space and on Earth. The comparison aims to shed light on the way higher plants perceive gravity and light directions, enhancing our understanding of plant life in space.

In addition to botanical studies, the mission will also feature the Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator designed by VSSC. This sophisticated mechanism is set to demonstrate the ability to capture tethered space debris through visual servoing and predictive modeling of object motion. Looking forward, this technology holds promise for retrieving free-floating space debris and assisting in the refueling of spacecraft, whether tethered or not, in forthcoming POEM missions.

A green propulsion system, known as Vyom-2U, will undergo testing as well. Developed by the Mumbai-based start-up Manastu Space, this thruster utilizes a hydrogen peroxide blend with proprietary additives, aiming to offer a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional hydrazine-based propulsion systems for space applications.

The Varuna payload, crafted by Piersight Space in Ahmedabad, represents another key component of this mission. It will showcase an in-orbit demonstration of a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) housed within a CubeSat. This endeavor is the first step toward creating a network of SAR and Automatic Identification System (AIS) satellites. The goal is to achieve continuous, almost instantaneous monitoring of maritime and industrial activities across the globe.

This collection of experiments, integrating efforts from both the public and private sectors, signifies a significant leap towards enhancing our capabilities and understanding of space. The outcomes of these experiments are eagerly anticipated, as they hold the potential to revolutionize our approach to space exploration, satellite technology, and even agricultural practices in extraterrestrial environments.