ISRO's POEM-4 Mission

Context:

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) recently announced the successful deployment of 10 hosted payloads by Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) on the POEM-4 module of ISRO's PSLV-C60/SpaDeX mission. This marks a significant advancement in involving private sector players in India’s space exploration efforts.

What is POEM-4?

• POEM-4 (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module) is a pioneering initiative that utilizes the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV rocket, repurposing it to host various scientific and technological experiments in space.
• The module was part of the PSLV-C60 rocket mission, which carried the POEM-4 into orbit, where it performed in-orbit scientific experiments at an altitude of 350 km with a 55-degree inclination.

Role of IN-SPACe:

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) plays a central role in this mission and other private sector collaborations in the space sector. IN-SPACe was established to promote and facilitate the participation of NGEs in India’s space activities.

1. Organizational Structure:

• IN-SPACe is led by a chairman and includes technical experts, safety experts, legal and strategic advisors, and members from academia, industry, and key government offices such as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• The agency is headquartered in Bopal, Ahmedabad.

1. Objectives and Functions:

• IN-SPACe’s primary goal is to enable and supervise the participation of NGEs in space activities. It works as an intermediary between the Department of Space (DoS)/ ISRO and private players, ensuring collaboration and infrastructure sharing.
• By reducing entry barriers, IN-SPACe helps NGEs develop launch vehicles, satellites, and provide space-based services.
• The agency is also responsible for assessing feasibility and ensuring safety compliance for any space-related activities or new infrastructure developed by private entities.

Significance of POEM-4 and IN-SPACe's Role:

• The POEM-4 mission underscores India’s growing capability in space technology and the increasing role of the private sector. By hosting payloads from non-government entities, it opens the door for further innovation and commercial opportunities in the space domain.
• IN-SPACe plays a crucial role in fostering these developments, ensuring that India’s space economy continues to grow, positioning the country as a significant player in global space technology.