IN-SPACe link to experiments by start-ups in space

New Delhi: The fourth stage of the PSLV rocket, which will remain in orbit for some time after launching two satellites on Monday, will give an opportunity to start-ups 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.