The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), an autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space, played a pivotal role in facilitating this mission. On December 31, IN-SPACe announced the successful establishment and operationalization of 10 hosted payloads from Non-Government Entities (NGEs) aboard the POEM-4 module. These payloads represent a significant step forward in fostering collaboration between government space initiatives and private sector players.

In total, 24 PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4) payloads were deployed onboard the PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission, supporting a wide array of scientific and technological objectives. The inclusion of 10 payloads from NGEs underscores the growing participation of private entities in India’s space sector. Among these are notable contributions such as the RV-SAT1 from RV Engineering College, Bengaluru. This payload aims to study the behavior of gut bacteria Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and prebiotic effects in microgravity. Another significant payload is the APEMS from Amity University Maharashtra, Mumbai, designed to examine growth-related changes in plant callus of Spinacia oleracea (spinach) under microgravity and natural gravity conditions.

Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, emphasized the importance of missions like PSLV-C60/SPADEX in building capacity and reducing entry barriers for private players in the space sector. He noted, “The PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) is a practical solution deployed by ISRO that allows Indian start-ups, academic institutions, and research organizations to test their space technologies without the need to launch entire satellites. By making this platform accessible, we are reducing entry barriers and enabling a wider range of entities to contribute to the space sector. At IN-SPACe, our role is to create opportunities for such collaborations and ensure that India’s private sector can grow alongside advancements in space technology.”

The POEM platform, equipped with essential capabilities such as power supply, telemetry, and command support, enables seamless operations for onboard experiments. By leveraging existing infrastructure, it provides an economical approach to diverse research pursuits. This innovative model not only enhances the scope for scientific exploration but also helps NGEs in getting their payloads space-qualified, thereby bolstering their future satellite launch missions.

As India continues to advance its space program, missions like PSLV-C60/SPADEX exemplify the country’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration. With platforms like POEM, India’s space ecosystem is poised to achieve new heights, enabling a broader spectrum of contributors to participate in and benefit from space exploration.

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The mission, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was delayed due to an anomaly detected in the PROBA-3 spacecraft.

This joint initiative between ISRO and NSIL features Proba-3, a technology demonstration mission by the European Space Agency (ESA). Proba-3 represents ESA’s first precision formation-flying mission. It involves two satellites flying together in a fixed configuration, forming a single large rigid structure in space. The mission showcases cutting-edge formation-flying and rendezvous technologies.

ESA stated that Proba-3 will serve as a platform for a large-scale scientific experiment. The two satellites will create a 150-meter-long solar coronagraph, enabling detailed studies of the Sun’s faint corona closer to the solar rim than ever before.

In addition to its scientific goals, Proba-3 aims to advance precise positioning between spacecraft using innovative metrology sensors and control algorithms. Acting as an orbital laboratory, the mission will demonstrate acquisition, rendezvous, proximity operations, and formation flying. These technologies are expected to revolutionize mission control approaches.

The mission involves two satellites maintaining a precise 150-meter alignment in space, positioned to allow the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC) to block the Sun’s solar disk for the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC). This setup facilitates uninterrupted observations of the Sun’s corona, providing valuable insights into solar dynamics.

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), known for its versatility, remains a cornerstone of India’s space program. PSLV-C59, featuring a four-stage configuration, carried a total payload mass of approximately 320 tonnes. ISRO highlighted that PSLV has been a reliable workhorse since its first successful mission in October 1994.

This successful launch of PSLV-C59 marks another milestone for ISRO, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in space exploration and international collaborations.

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The PSLV-C59 will carry satellites weighing approximately 550 kilograms into a highly elliptical orbit. The PROBA-3 mission is an “In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission” by the European Space Agency (ESA).

Announcing the launch on social media platform X, ISRO stated:
“Liftoff Day is Here! PSLV-C59, showcasing the proven expertise of ISRO, is ready to deliver ESA’s PROBA-3 satellites into orbit. This mission, powered by NSIL with ISRO’s engineering excellence, reflects the strength of international collaboration. A proud milestone in India’s space journey and a shining example of global partnerships. Liftoff: 4th Dec 2024, 16:08 IST. Location: SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota. Join NSIL, ISRO, and ESA as history unfolds!”

The mission consists of two spacecraft, the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC), which will be launched together in a “stacked configuration,” one atop the other.

PSLV, known for its versatility, is India’s first launch vehicle equipped with liquid stages. The first successful PSLV launch occurred in October 1994. For the PSLV-C59 mission, the launch vehicle will operate in four stages, carrying a total mass of approximately 320 tonnes.

Highlighting the importance of this mission, ISRO emphasized its trusted precision and the collaboration between international space agencies. This launch further cements PSLV’s reputation as a reliable launch vehicle for a variety of payloads and missions.

The liftoff is scheduled for 4:08 PM IST today, marking another significant milestone in India’s space journey and international partnerships.

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