ISRO's PSLV-37 rocket's upper part returned to atmosphere of Earth
The upper part of the PSLV-37 rocket i.e. PS4 has returned to Earth's atmosphere as predicted. A record 104 satellites were launched from this rocket in the year 2017. The reduction in orbital height was regularly monitored from September 2024. PS4 returned to the atmosphere on October 6. ISRO will continue efforts to meet the objectives of the debris-free space mission by the year 2030.
On Tuesday, the upper part of the the PSLV-37 rocket i.e. PS4 has returned to Earth's atmosphere as predicted, says Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). In the year 2017, as per record 104 satellites were launched from this rocket.
On February 15, 2017, Cartosat-2D and 103 other satellites were launched along with PSLV-C37. The upper section of the rocket (PS4) stayed in an orbit approximately 470 3 494 km in size after delivering the satellites to their orbit. Its altitude steadily dropped as it was observed frequently.
Beginning in September 2024, the orbital height reduction was routinely observed. On October 6, PS4 was back in the atmosphere. The Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee's (IADC) requirements state that the rocket component must re-enter the atmosphere within eight years of launch.
The project specifies that the inactive item shall stay in low Earth orbit (LEO) for 25 years following the mission. In order to achieve the goals of the debris-free space mission by 2030, ISRO will keep up its efforts.
