ISRO: PSLV Orbital Experimental Module

July 2, 2022

On June 30, 2022 the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the “PSLV Orbital Experimental Module” (POEM) successfully.

What is PSLV Orbital Experimental Module?

The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module is a platform which will perform in-orbit experiments through the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket.
It is a four-stage rocket in which first three spent stages will drop into the ocean and the final stage will end up as space junk after launching the satellite into orbit.
However, in PSLV-C53 mission, spent final stage will be used as a “stabilised platform” for performing the experiments.

POEM’s Payload

POEM is carrying six payloads out of which two are from Indian space start-ups Digantara and Dhruva Space.
POEM comprises of a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) system for attitude stabilisation.
The NGC will serve as the POEM’s brain to stabilize it with specified accuracy.
It will navigate using four equipment viz., sun sensors, gyros, NavIC and magnetometer.

About NavIC

Navigation in Indian Constellation (NavIC) is an Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). It has been developed by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). IRNSS comprises of eight satellites, of which three satellites are in geostationary orbit and five satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Its functions are similar to the popular U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS). It was operationalised with the objective of providing navigation, timing services and reliable position in India and its neighbourhood. While GPS has a position accuracy of 20-30 metres, the NavIC is capable to pinpoint location to an estimated accuracy of under 20 metres.

ISRO

ISRO is the space agency under the Department of Space of Government of India. It was formed in 1969. ISRO replaced its predecessor, INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research) which was established in 1962. Current Chairman of ISRO is S. Somnath.

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