What is the Editorial?

ISRO’s Pioneering Achievement: A Leap Towards a Cleaner Orbit!

A Milestone in Space Sustainability:

• • The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) recent mission, PSLV-C58/XPoSat, has garnered global attention for achieving a remarkable feat – leaving practically zero debris in Earth’s orbit.

• • This editorial explores the details of this mission, its significance in space debris mitigation efforts, and the potential impact on future space exploration.

Engineering for Minimal Debris:

• ISRO achieved this milestone by transforming the upper stage of the PSLV rocket, typically discarded after deployment, into a functional platform named the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3). This innovative approach ensured two key steps, as mentioned in the previous editorial:

• • Deorbiting POEM-3: ISRO strategically lowered POEM-3’s orbit from a high altitude of 650 km to a much lower one at 350 km. This significantly reduced the time it took for the module to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up harmlessly.

• • Passivation Process: To further minimize risks, ISRO employed a process called passivation. This eliminated any leftover fuel on POEM-3, preventing an accidental explosion during re-entry that could create debris.

POEM-3: Beyond Debris Mitigation:

Building on the information from the additional source:

• • POEM-3 served a dual purpose. While ensuring minimal orbital debris, it also functioned as a valuable scientific platform, as detailed in the provided excerpt. Developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) as an inexpensive space platform, POEM utilized the spent fourth stage of a PSLV rocket.

This approach offered several advantages:

• • Cost-Effectiveness: Repurposing the rocket stage eliminated the need for a dedicated platform, reducing mission costs.
  • Scientific Exploration: POEM-3 carried nine payloads for various experiments, including power generation through fuel cells, navigation, and communication technologies. This mission served as a stepping stone for future reusable launch vehicles and in-orbit platforms.

What is POEM?

• • POEM stands for PSLV Orbital Experimental Module. It’s a cost-effective space platform developed by VSSC that repurposes the spent fourth stage of a PSLV rocket. This platform allows for scientific experiments and demonstrations in orbit, paving the way for advancements in reusable launch vehicles and other space technologies.

What has POEM-3 achieved?

POEM-3 achieved two key objectives:

• • Minimized Orbital Debris: By strategically deorbiting and employing passivation, POEM-3 ensured practically no debris was left behind after its mission completion. This sets a new benchmark for responsible space exploration.

• • Scientific Exploration: POEM-3 successfully carried out experiments with nine payloads onboard, focusing on technologies like fuel cells, navigation, and communication. This valuable data contributes to advancements in future space missions.

Why is this significant?

ISRO’s “zero-debris” mission is significant for several reasons:

• • Combating Space Debris: The growing number of satellites and debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) poses a threat to operational spacecraft. ISRO’s approach demonstrates how responsible mission planning and innovative technologies can minimize debris generation.

• • Sustainable Space Environment: By promoting minimal debris creation, ISRO underscores the importance of a sustainable space environment for future generations. This mission highlights the urgency for international cooperation in establishing regulations, debris-tracking systems, and responsible disposal practices.

• • Scientific Advancement: POEM-3’s scientific experiments contribute to advancements in space technologies like reusable launch vehicles and in-orbit platforms. This paves the way for future space exploration endeavors.

Combating the Threat of Space Debris:

Uncontrolled rocket launches and satellite collisions over the years have resulted in a growing problem – space debris. Thousands of defunct satellites and fragments pose a significant threat to operational spacecraft. The additional source elaborates on the types and dangers of space debris:

• • Composition: Space debris primarily consists of pieces of spacecraft, rockets, defunct satellites, and fragments from anti-satellite missile tests.

• • High-Speed Collisions: This debris often travels at high speeds (up to 27,000 km/hr), posing a risk of collision and damage to operational satellites critical for communication, navigation, and weather forecasting.

• • ISRO’s “zero-debris” mission serves as a model for responsible space exploration, demonstrating how responsible mission planning and innovative technologies like POEM-3 can minimize debris generation.

A Call for Global Collaboration:

Expanding on the urgency for international cooperation:

• • The additional source highlights the concerning rise in the number of space objects (both functional and debris) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) – an area crucial for communication and navigation satellites. With more countries launching satellites and conducting anti-satellite tests, the risk of collisions and debris proliferation increases.

• • ISRO’s achievement underscores the urgency of international cooperation in space debris mitigation. Establishing international regulations, debris-tracking systems, and promoting responsible disposal practices are crucial steps towards ensuring a sustainable space environment for future generations.

Conclusion:

• • ISRO’s “zero-debris” mission is a testament to its commitment to responsible space exploration. This pioneering achievement sets a new benchmark and serves as a call to action for the global space community to work collaboratively towards a cleaner and more sustainable future in space.

How are agencies dealing with debris?

• • Currently, there are no international space laws governing debris in LEO. However, most spacefaring nations follow the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines 2002 established by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC). These guidelines promote responsible practices such as minimizing debris released during launches and ensuring spacecraft deorbit at the end of their missions.

• • Additionally, agencies like the U.S. Space Command track and catalog space debris to monitor the situation and potential collision risks.
• • ISRO’s “zero-debris” mission is a significant step forward. It demonstrates the effectiveness of responsible space exploration practices and highlights the need for international collaboration to ensure a sustainable future in space.

(Inspired by the editorial in The Hindu).

Mains Questions:

Model Answer:

• ISRO’s PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission marked a significant milestone in space sustainability by leaving practically no debris in Earth’s orbit. This achievement was made possible by the innovative use of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3). POEM-3 repurposed the spent fourth stage of the rocket, strategically deorbiting it to burn up in the atmosphere and employing passivation to eliminate leftover fuel that could create debris upon explosion.

Challenges of Space Debris Mitigation:

• • Growing Debris Problem: The increasing number of satellites and uncontrolled rocket launches have resulted in a large amount of space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This debris poses a threat to operational spacecraft due to the possibility of high-speed collisions.
  • Lack of International Regulations: Currently, there are no international laws governing debris in LEO. While guidelines exist, they are not legally binding, making it challenging to enforce responsible practices globally.
  • Technical Difficulties: Removing existing debris from orbit presents significant technical and financial hurdles. Technologies for active debris removal are still under development, and their effectiveness at scale remains uncertain.

Solutions for a Sustainable Space Environment:

• • International Cooperation: Establishing international treaties and regulations on responsible space debris mitigation practices is crucial. This could include limitations on debris generation during launches and mandatory post-mission deorbiting protocols.
  • Technological Advancements: Continued research and development of debris removal technologies are essential for actively clearing existing debris. Initiatives like space-based robotic arms or directed energy beams require further exploration.
  • Mission Planning and Innovation: Missions like ISRO’s POEM-3 exemplify innovative approaches to minimize debris generation. Repurposing rocket stages and promoting fuel-efficient technologies can significantly reduce debris creation.

Model Answer:

The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) is a cost-effective space platform developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). It utilizes the spent fourth stage of a PSLV rocket, typically discarded after deployment, by converting it into a functional platform. This approach offers two key benefits:

• • Minimizing Debris: POEM addresses the growing issue of space debris by offering a viable alternative to discarding spent rocket stages. By strategically deorbiting POEM at the end of its mission, ISRO ensures minimal debris remains in orbit.

• • Scientific Exploration: POEM serves as a valuable platform for scientific experiments. Missions like PSLV-C58/XPoSat carried payloads for various technologies like fuel cells, navigation, and communication systems. This data contributes to advancements in future space missions and technologies like reusable launch vehicles.

• • POEM’s dual role exemplifies ISRO’s commitment to responsible and innovative space exploration. It demonstrates how responsible mission planning and technological adaptations can contribute to a sustainable space environment while fostering scientific advancements.

Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective. Read entire UPSC Current Affairs.

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