ISRO’s POEM-4 ‘returns home’, another success after growing crops in space

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ISRO’s experimental mission POEM-4 successfully re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere on April 4. This mission is a major achievement towards space debris control and protection of the environment. Launched from PSLV-C60, this platform had a total of 24 payloads which included experiments from ISRO and private institutions. The re-entry took place in the Indian Ocean region

HIGHLIGHTS
POEM-4 carried out 24 scientific experiments
Launched in December 2024 from PSLV-C60
Successful Re-Entry has strengthened ISRO’s space debris policy

PTI, Bengaluru. India’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-4 (POEM-4) has returned to Earth’s atmosphere with another success. The safe re-entry of POEM-4 is another achievement towards stopping the growing debris in space. It confirms the key role of the Indian Space Agency in the space environment and debris-free space mission

POEM-4 reached the Indian Ocean region after re-entry
ISRO said that the POEM-4 upper stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle used for the Space Docking Experiment mission has re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere. ISRO posted on X, POEM-4 module re-entered the atmosphere. Reached the Indian Ocean region on April 4, 2025 at 8:03 am Indian time.

ISRO’s PSLV-C60 rocket launched the ‘Spadex’ mission on December 30, 2024. After placing the ‘Spadex’ satellites at an altitude of 475 km, the PS4 stage of PSLV-C60 was also in almost the same orbit. This unique and cheap space platform was developed using the PS4 stage of PSLV-C60.

During the mission, POEM-4 carried a total of 24 payloads carrying scientific experiments.

Of these, 14 were from various ISRO and 10 from private universities and start-ups.

During this period, India had successfully germinated ‘Spadex’ – cowpea seeds sent with the mission, in space for the first time.

While POEM-4 was in orbit, it was continuously monitored by ISRO’s radar stations and United States Space Command (USSPACeCOM) stations.

ISRO said that the tracking data was used in the re-entry prediction process. It was observed that the orbit of POEM-4 had decreased to 174 km/3165 km and the platform was predicted to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere on April 4. Thereafter, the re-entry event of POEM-4 was closely monitored by ISRO’s System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM) and the predictions were regularly updated

POEM is ISRO’s experimental mission
POEM or Poem is ISRO’s experimental mission. Under this, scientific experiments are conducted in orbit using the PS-4 stage as an orbital platform. PSLV is a four-stage rocket. Its first three stages fall into the sea after use and the last stage becomes junk in space after launching the satellite into orbit. ISRO’s POEM mission will also help in dealing with the problem of space garbage.

Isro poem missions

It’s important to clarify that “POEM” in ISRO’s context refers to the “PSLV Orbital Experiment Module,” not a literal poem. It’s a technological innovation. Here’s a breakdown of what POEM is and its missions:

  • PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM):
  • This is a platform that utilizes the spent fourth stage of ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
  • It transforms this stage into an orbital platform where scientific experiments can be conducted.
  • This provides a cost-effective way for ISRO, academic institutions, and startups to perform experiments in space.
  • Essentially, it allows for payloads to be carried and operated in orbit after the primary satellites have been deployed.
  • Key aspects and recent POEM missions:
  • POEM allows for in-orbit scientific experiments.
  • It reduces the cost and time involved in space experiments.
  • Recent POEM missions include:
    • PSLV-C53/POEM-1
    • PSLV-C55/POEM-2
    • PSLV-C58/POEM-3
    • PSLV-C60/POEM-4
  • POEM-4 was especially noteworthy for carrying 24 payloads, and for experiments involving things such as space robotics, and astrobiology experiments.
  • ISRO is also making a point to de-orbit these spent stages, to help to reduce space debris. This was shown with the de-orbiting of POEM-4.
    In essence, ISRO’s POEM is a valuable tool for expanding access to space-based experimentation.

Is poem missions a step forward for indian space station

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While POEM missions are not directly building an Indian space station, they are absolutely a significant step forward in developing technologies and capabilities that are essential for future space station endeavors. Here’s how:

  • In-Orbit Experimentation:
  • POEM provides a platform for conducting crucial in-orbit experiments. These experiments, particularly those involving microgravity, robotic manipulation, and life support systems, are vital for designing and operating a future space station.
  • The testing of new technologies in space is a very important part of space station development.
  • Technology Demonstrations:
  • POEM missions allow ISRO to demonstrate and validate key technologies needed for more complex space missions, including those related to docking, rendezvous, and orbital operations.
  • The recent POEM-4 mission, with it’s robotic arm experiments, shows ISRO’s focus on technology that would be needed for a space station.
  • Cost-Effective Development:
  • By utilizing the PSLV’s spent fourth stage, ISRO is able to conduct these experiments in a cost-effective manner. This allows for more frequent testing and development, accelerating the advancement of necessary technologies.
  • Space Debris Mitigation:
  • ISRO’s focus on de-orbiting POEM stages demonstrates a commitment to sustainable space operations, which is crucial for long-term space exploration and the eventual construction and maintenance of a space station.
  • Payload hosting:
  • POEM is a platform that allows for many different types of payloads to be tested. This means that many different aspects of future space travel can be tested.
    In summary, POEM missions are a valuable stepping stone in ISRO’s long-term space exploration goals, and they contribute significantly to the development of technologies that will be essential for an eventual Indian space station.

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