ISRO’s Upper Stage of PSLV-37 Rocket Successfully De-Orbited

In a significant development, the upper stage of the PSLV-37 rocket launched by ISRO over seven years ago has successfully re-entered the earth’s atmosphere. Initially deployed with a record-breaking 104 satellites, including Cartosat-2D, this mission marked a milestone in space exploration. The careful monitoring and management of the upper stage’s orbital decay showcased ISRO’s commitment to safe and sustainable space operations.

Proactive Measures for Space Debris Mitigation

ISRO’s cutting-edge IS4OM system played a vital role in monitoring the gradual descent of the upper stage. By actively reducing the orbital lifetime of defunct objects like the PSLV upper stages, ISRO is demonstrating its dedication to reducing space debris. The successful re-entry into the North Atlantic Ocean reaffirmed ISRO’s compliance with international guidelines on space debris mitigation.

Future Initiatives for Sustainable Space Activities

Looking ahead, ISRO is focused on further reducing the orbital lifetime of rocket stages to enhance space sustainability. Through controlled re-entry and de-orbiting strategies employed in recent missions like PSLV-C38 and PSLV-C58, ISRO aims to ensure a debris-free space environment by 2030. This commitment underscores ISRO’s role as a global leader in promoting responsible space exploration and management.

ISRO’s Continued Efforts in Orbital Lifetime Reduction

In addition to the successful de-orbiting of the upper stage of the PSLV-37 rocket, ISRO has been actively engaged in implementing innovative strategies to reduce the orbital lifetime of rockets and spacecraft components. Through continued research and development, ISRO has made significant progress in this field.

Most Important Questions:
1. How does ISRO determine the optimal time and trajectory for reducing the orbital lifetime of rockets?
2. What new technologies is ISRO exploring to further enhance space debris mitigation efforts?
3. Are there any international collaborations in place to address the challenges associated with reducing orbital lifetime of rocket stages?

Key Challenges and Controversies:
One of the key challenges faced by ISRO in reducing orbital lifetime of rockets is ensuring precision in the de-orbiting process to avoid any unforeseen collisions with active satellites or other space objects. Additionally, there may be controversies surrounding the potential environmental impact of controlled re-entry strategies on Earth’s atmosphere.

Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages of reducing orbital lifetime of rockets include minimizing the risk of space debris accumulation, ensuring safe and sustainable space operations, and promoting global efforts towards space environmental conservation. However, disadvantages may include the costs associated with developing and implementing advanced de-orbiting technologies, as well as potential technical complexities in executing precision de-orbiting maneuvers.

For more information on ISRO’s efforts in space sustainability and orbital lifetime reduction, visit ISRO’s official website.