PSLV-C60 was the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle flight of 30 December 2024 that placed ISRO’s two SpaDeX docking satellites in a 470 km orbit. Its spent fourth stage was then used as POEM-4 (PSLV Orbital Experiment Module-4), a free-flying platform in a 350 km orbit carrying 24 experiments from ISRO laboratories, start-ups and universities – including the CROPS experiment in which cowpea seeds germinated in space.
Context
- PSLV-C60 lifted off from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 10:00 pm on 30 December 2024, the 62nd flight of the PSLV and the first vehicle integrated at the new PSLV Integration Facility (PIF).
- It injected SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), about 220 kg each, into a 470 km circular orbit at 55 degrees inclination; the two satellites docked on 16 January 2025.
What Is POEM
- The PSLV Orbital Experiment Module converts the fourth stage (PS4) into an orbital laboratory after the main satellites are released, powered by solar panels and controlled by its own attitude control system.
- Earlier flights: POEM-1 (PSLV-C53, 2022), POEM-2 (PSLV-C55, 2023) and POEM-3 (PSLV-C58, January 2024); POEM-4 carried the largest set so far.
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The 24 Payloads on POEM-4
- 14 from ISRO and DoS centres, 10 from non-government entities (start-ups and academic institutions) coordinated through IN-SPACe.
- CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies), VSSC: eight cowpea (lobia) seeds in a closed chamber sprouted within four days and grew leaves, demonstrating plant growth in microgravity.
- Walking Robotic Arm (RRM-TD), IISU: an inchworm-style relocatable robotic arm, a first for India.
- Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator, VSSC: a manipulator to capture tethered debris, relevant to future space servicing.
- Amity Plant Experimental Module in Space (APEMS): spinach cell growth under microgravity.
- Other payloads included green-propulsion demonstrators from start-ups, a gut-bacteria experiment from a Bengaluru engineering college, and student technology tests.
Why It Matters
In 5 daysNABARD Grade A 2026: what the 2025 cut-offs changed, and the 60-day planRegister free →- Docking is a stepping stone to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Chandrayaan-4; POEM gives Indian start-ups and students affordable access to space.
- CROPS is India’s first successful plant-growth experiment in orbit, useful for long-duration human missions.
Important Facts for Examsmost asked
- PSLV-C60: 30 December 2024, Sriharikota; carried SpaDeX (SDX01 Chaser, SDX02 Target); orbit 470 km, 55 degrees.
- POEM-4: fourth stage as orbital platform, 350 km orbit, 24 payloads (14 ISRO, 10 NGE).
- CROPS by VSSC: cowpea seeds germinated in four days; Walking Robotic Arm by IISU; debris-capture manipulator by VSSC.
- First PSLV integrated at the PSLV Integration Facility.
FAQs
What is the difference between SpaDeX and POEM-4?
SpaDeX is the pair of docking satellites; POEM-4 is the rocket’s fourth stage reused as a platform for 24 separate experiments after the satellites were released.
What happened to POEM-4?
Like earlier POEMs, it stayed in orbit for a few months of experiments before decaying and re-entering the atmosphere.
Why is PSLV-C60 asked in exams?
It combines several firsts – India’s docking, plant germination in space, a walking robotic arm – that make easy factual questions.
