# GS - 3
# The
Hindu “POEM and Space Debris”
Context The Indian Space
Research (ISRO)
Organisation
has
developed a
cost-effective
solution to reduce
space
debris : PSLV Orbital
Experimental Module .
(POEM)
PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)
Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai
Space Centre (USSC)
The is to
primary goal of POEM
extend the
utility of PSLV missions
by repurposing the
final stage
into a
functional entity rather
than it debris
leaving as
space
.
POEM is outfitted with solar panels to
generate
lithium-ion batteries and
power ,
for storage ,
a
navigation system for stability and control
.
Space debris / Space junk
Debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
originates from discarded rocket
parts ,
fragments from anti-satellite
missile tests and
defunct satellites
.
Currently ,
there are an estimated
7, 000
operational satellites
sharing
space with millions of debris objects
.
ISRO estimates that the
number
of large objects in LEO
could reach a
concerning
60, 000 by 2030
.
Problems from Space Debris
Collisions with operational Threat to International
satellites Station (ISS) it
disrupting services 2 > Space as
like communication ,
navigation .
orbits at LEO altitude
.
The destruction
Large debri
objects can survive
of
earth's atmos- &
space assets
into > satellites &
re-entry
phese loss.
& cause
damage . results in economic
&
Kessler
Syndrome > The
accumulation of space debris
could reach a
point where
collisions
generate more
debris ,
triggering a chain
reaction .
to ISRO's
According space Situational Assessment
Note
launched
Report 2022 , a
staggering 2 533
, objects were
into in 2022 alone
space .
Challenges in Tackling Space Debris
Increased satellite launches Lack of coordinated and
E 7
by various countries
.
space traffic management.
Geopolitical conflicts &
Huge cost due to
cutting- & S
interests
edge technology. competing .
Initiatives to manage space debris
ISRO's
System for Safe & clean space initiative
Sustainable
Operations I > by European space agency
·
(ISOM). Project by
Management NETRA ISRO
.
Space debris
mitigation guidelines ,
2002
by Inter-agency
debri coordination committee (IADL).
space
Way Forward
· Enhanced Space Situational Active Debris Removal (ADR)
awareness
.
technologies
.
and
·
Deorbiting end-of-life &
Space traffic management
disposal . and collision avoidance.
· International cooperation through UN Committee on
peaceful uses
of Outer space (UNCOPOS) .
Practice Questions & Previous year Question
Q: With reference to ISRO's PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), consider the following
statements:
1. It is a newly developed, dedicated spacecraft platform for scientific experiments.
2. It leverages the spent fourth stage of the PSLV rocket as a cost-effective platform.
3. POEM-3 successfully re-entered the Earth's atmosphere, leaving behind no debris.
4. The success of POEM eliminates the need for international collaboration on space debris
mitigation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1 only
Ans: (a)
Q: With reference to space debris, which of the following statements is/are NOT correct?
(a) It can disrupt critical space-based services like navigation and communication.
(b) The majority of space debris originates from fragmentation of defunct satellites.
(c) The Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) is an international body
for regulating space debris.
(d) There are currently well-established techniques for removing large debris objects from
orbit.
Ans: (c)
Q: In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news? (2010)
(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India
(b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II
(c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India
(d) A space telescope developed by India
Ans: (c)
