In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...
PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM): Driving Space Innovation for Startups
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- Purpose: Developed by ISRO, the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) provides an affordable platform for on-orbit experiments. It significantly reduces costs for startups and smaller entities traditionally hindered by high launch expenses.
- Recent Test: Manastu Space, an IIT Bombay startup, successfully tested its green propulsion system VYOM 2U aboard PSLV C60 using POEM-4.
- Capacity: POEM-4 boasts three times the experimental capacity of its predecessor, POEM-3.
- Working: Converts the fourth stage of PSLV into a free-flying space testbed in low Earth orbit.
- Strategic Importance: Lowers entry barriers for Indian startups and promotes space technology innovation, helping accelerate India’s private space sector growth.