On April 4, 2025, ISRO confirmed the controlled re-entry of POEM-4, the fourth edition of the PSLV Orbital Platform Experiment Module. This module, a repurposed spent upper stage, re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere and impacted the Indian Ocean at 02:33 UTC (08:03 IST). The event marked a significant step in managing space debris and ensuring the sustainability of the outer space environment.

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• POEM-4, a PSLV Orbital Platform, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on April 4, 2025.
• The re-entry occurred at 02:33 UTC (08:03 IST) and impacted the Indian Ocean.
• POEM-4 was launched on December 30, 2024, alongside twin SpaDeX satellites.
• After deployment, POEM-4 was placed in orbit at an altitude of 475 km before being de-orbited.
• The platform was de-orbited through engine restarts, reaching a nearly circular orbit at 350 km altitude.
• POEM-4 hosted 24 payloads, 14 from ISRO and 10 from non-governmental entities.
• All payloads performed as expected, providing valuable scientific data.
• ISRO, along with US Space Command, tracked POEM-4 continuously during its mission.
• The re-entry event was closely monitored by ISRO’s System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM).
• This successful re-entry is part of ISRO’s efforts under its Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM).