
IN-SPACe link to experiments by startups in space
PSLV rocket, which will remain in orbit for some time after launching two satellites on Monday, will give an opportunity to startups and institutes to carry out experiments in outer space, with India's space regulator emerging as a common link in turning these projects to reality. A record 24 experiments — 14 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) laboratories and 10 by non-government entities (NGEs) — will be carried onboard the PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM), including a demonstration of seed germination in outer space, a robotic arm to catch the tethered debris there and the testing of green propulsion systems.
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A common link among the payloads of the startups and private universities is the technical centre at the Ahmedabad-based headquarters of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) — India's regulator and promoter for the space sector.
«We give them all the support, including the test facilities as well as help from mentors to address any problems,» Rajeev Jyoti, Director, IN-SPACe, told PTI.
He said IN-SPACe also enables access to facilities at ISRO work centres for any specific test, such as the outgassing measurement test, the EMI/EMC test and the mechanical shock test, in accordance with the model philosophy and test specification specified by the PSLV.
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