ISRO Achieves Zero Orbital Debris Milestone with PSLV-C58 Mission

Space News ,India :-  In a significant stride towards sustainable space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the successful completion of its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) mission, PSLV-C58/XPoSat, with zero orbital debris. This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in space technology and underscores ISRO's commitment to space sustainability.

What is Zero Orbital Debris ?

Zero orbital debris refers to the ideal condition where there are no unnecessary objects floating around in space. It's like keeping space clean by removing any leftover satellites, rocket parts, or other space junk that could potentially collide with operational satellites or spacecraft.

Imagine space as a big highway, and every piece of debris is like a tiny rock or obstacle on that highway. Too much debris can be dangerous because it increases the chances of collisions, which can damage or destroy important satellites and spacecraft.

Achieving zero orbital debris means actively managing and removing any unnecessary objects from space to keep it safe for future space missions and satellite operations.

On March 21, the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) concluded its mission with a controlled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. This milestone was achieved following the transformation of the terminal stage of PSLV into the POEM-3, a 3-axis stabilised platform.

ISRO highlighted that the mission left virtually no debris in orbit, emphasizing the meticulous planning and execution of the operation. The terminal stage was deorbited and passivated to minimize accidental break-up risks, demonstrating ISRO's dedication to responsible space practices.

POEM-3 was equipped with nine experimental payloads, including contributions from Non-Government Entities (NGEs) facilitated by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN’SPACe). These payloads aimed at conducting technology demonstrations and scientific experiments on indigenous systems, with mission objectives successfully met within a month.

The controlled descent of the upper stage continued until impact in the North Pacific Ocean, showcasing ISRO's precise orbital management capabilities. Through POEM, ISRO has provided a cost-effective platform for academia, startups, and NGEs to conduct short-duration space experiments, fostering innovation in the space sector.

Various entities, including startups and universities, leveraged POEM to conduct experiments such as electric thrusters and star-tracking, illustrating the platform's versatility and utility for diverse space missions. POEM also incorporates advanced features such as total avionics in a single-chain configuration and new navigation algorithms, enhancing its operational efficiency.

For effective experiment conduct, ISRO stabilized body rates and introduced innovative schemes like controlled propellant dumping to minimize disturbances during passivation. The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) spearheaded the conceptualization and realization of POEM, with PSLV-C58/XPoSat marking the third successful mission in the series.

ISRO's spacecraft operations team, supported by ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) and ISRO's System for Safe and Sustainable Spacecraft Operations Management (IS4OM), ensured smooth payload operations throughout the mission. Ground stations and tracking radar monitored POEM-3 until re-entry, showcasing ISRO's comprehensive mission control capabilities.

Moving forward, ISRO reaffirmed its commitment to providing cost-effective orbital experiment platforms amidst the growing threat of space debris. With the proliferation of small satellite constellations, ISRO recognizes the importance of mitigating space debris for safe satellite launches, human spaceflight, and exploration missions.

As a responsible space agency, ISRO pledged to develop advanced debris tracking systems, deorbiting technologies, and responsible satellite deployment practices to safeguard orbital environments for future space endeavors. This commitment underscores ISRO's dedication to sustainable space exploration and the preservation of outer space for generations to come.