IN-SPACe link to experiments by startups in space

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 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.