Modified PSLV places three foreign satellites into orbit

Modified PSLV places three foreign satellites into orbit

Subject: Science

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) workhorse launch vehicle on its 55th mission, the PSLV-C53

What is PSLV-C53 mission?

The mission injected three Singaporean satellites into their intended orbits.

The mission also served an additional purpose for ISRO, which decided to use the fourth stage, the PS4, as a stationary platform in orbit to conduct scientific experiments

What is PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)?

• The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module is a platform that will help perform in-orbit experiments using the final, and otherwise discarded, stage of ISRO’s workhorse rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
• The PSLV is a four-stage rocket where the first three spent stages fall back into the ocean, and the final stage (PS4) after launching the satellite into orbit ends up as space junk
• However, in PSLV-C53 mission, the spent final stage will be utilised as a “stabilised platform” to perform experiments
• POEM has a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) system for attitude stabilisation, which stands for controlling the orientation of any aerospace vehicle within permitted limits
• The NGC will act as the platform’s brain to stabilize it with specified accuracy.
• POEM will derive its power from solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank, and a Li-Ion battery. It will navigate using “four sun sensors, a magnetometer, gyros &NavIC”
• It carries dedicated control thrusters using Helium gas storage. It is enabled with a telecommand feature

PSLV:

It is the third generation launch vehicle of India. It is the first Indian launch vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages. It consists of four stages.

• First Stage: PS1

PSLV uses the solid rocket motor that is augmented by 6 solid strap on boosters.

• Second Stage: PS2

PSLV uses an Earth storable liquid rocket engine for its second stage, know as he Vikas engine, developed by Liquid Propulsion Systems centre

• Third Stage: PS3

The third stage of PSLV is a solid rocket motor that provides the upper stages high thrust after the atmospheric phase of the launch.

• Fourth Stage: PS4

It is the uppermost stage of PSLV, comprising of two Earth storable liquid engines