Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for a milestone mission under the SpaDeX initiative, deploying 24 cutting-edge scientific experiments into space aboard the PSLV Orbital Experiment Module-4 (POEM-4). This mission highlights ISRO’s growing collaboration with private entities and academic institutions, showcasing India’s advancements in space technology.
Key Highlights of the Mission
The payloads include 14 projects developed by ISRO/Department of Space (DOS) centres and 10 contributions from non-government entities (NGEs), including academic institutions and start-ups facilitated through IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre).
ISRO Payloads
1.Advanced Robotics:
•Walking Robotic Arm using inch-worm motion (IISU).
•Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator (VSSC).
2.Sensor Technologies:
•Gradient Control Reaction Wheel Assembly and Multi-Sensor Inertial Reference System with in-house gyroscopes (IISU).
•MEMS-based High Angular Rate Sensors (VSSC).
3.Innovative Electronics:
•Lead Exempt Experimental System (VSSC).
•Highly Configurable Onboard Common Controller (SPL).
4.Space Science Experiments:
•Electron Temperature Analyser and IDEA-V2 suite for studying electron density and neutral winds (SPL).
•PLASDEM software for ionospheric studies (collaboration between SPL and IISU).
•Orbital plant studies via the Compact Research Module (VSSC).
5.Other Innovations:
•Laser Firing and Initiation Pyro Units (VSSC).
•PILOT-G2 payload (IIST).
Contributions by Start-ups and Academia
1.Biological Studies:
•Growth of plant callus in microgravity (Amity University, Mumbai).
•Growth kinetics of gut bacteria (RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru).
2.Green Propulsion:
•Novel monopropellants (Bellatrix Aerospace, Bengaluru).
•Hydrogen peroxide-based thrusters (Manastu Space Technologies, Mumbai).
3.Space Imaging and Communication:
•Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging (GalaxEye Space Solutions, Bengaluru).
•CubeSat SAR demonstrations (Piersight Space, Ahmedabad).
4.Sensor Technologies:
•MEMS-based Inertial Measurement Units (MIT-WPU, Pune).
5.Satellite Communication:
•Amateur Radio Satellite services (SJC Institute of Technology, Karnataka, in collaboration with UPARC).
6.AI in Space:
•India’s first Artificial Intelligence lab in space (TakeMe2Space, Hyderabad).
About the SpaDeX Mission
The SpaDeX mission, integrated at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, aims to develop and demonstrate key technologies for in-space docking and undocking of spacecraft. Utilizing two small spacecraft launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), this mission is set to revolutionize cost-effective technology for space operations.
A Collaborative Leap for India’s Space Program
With the SpaDeX mission, ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and innovation, reinforcing its position as a global leader in space technology.
