ISRO’s Poem-4 Safely Re-Enter Earth’s Atmosphere, Strengthening Commitment to Space-Free Debris | Science and Environmental News
BENGALURU: ISRO said on Friday that the fourth edition of the PSLV orbital platform experimental module (Poem-4), the upper stage of the reuse of the Polar satellite launcher used for the space docking experimental mission, re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere.
The module re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere and has security impacts in the Indian Ocean on April 4, 2025.
“In the end, the module of this poem re-enters the atmosphere and was affected on 02:33 UTC (08:03 IST) in the Indian Ocean on April 4, 2025,” ISRR said in an article on ‘x’.
The re-entry of ISRO is a milestone, indicating that the event demonstrates its ongoing commitment to reducing space debris and supporting the long-term sustainability of outer space through its Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM).
Poetry-4’s atmosphere enters again
On December 30, 2024, ISRO’s PSLV-C60 launched the dual Spadex satellite, and after the satellite was injected at an altitude of 475 km, the special upper stage of the PSLV-C60 (called the PSLV orbital experimental module in Short Poem 4) is also… and… pic.twitter.com/teqgv5easx
– ISRO (@isro) April 4, 2025
The Poem-4 was originally released on December 30, 2024 as part of the PSLV-C60 mission, which successfully deployed the Gemini Spadex satellite at an altitude of 475 kilometers. After satellite deployment, it was listed in orbit as a specially adapted upper stage in orbit for experimental purposes (designated as Poem-4).
The module was later restarted by the engine, bringing it to an almost circular track at a height of 350 km with an inclination of 55.2°. In a critical step to ensure safety, ISRO passivates the upper stage by venting all remaining fuel, thereby reducing the risk of unexpected rupture.
Throughout the operation, Poem-4 has 24 payloads, including 14 of ISRO and 10 of non-governmental entities (NGEs). All onboard tools run successfully, generating important scientific data.
ISRO worked with US Space Command (US-Spacecom) to track Poem-4 carefully in orbit. As the module’s orbit decays to 174 km x 165 km, the forecast points to an upcoming atmospheric re-entry on April 4. This process is strictly monitored by the ISRO system’s Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM), ensuring a controlled and safe decline.
The event highlights ISRO’s leadership in responsible space practices and sets an example for global sustainable space operations.
(with PTI input)
