On December 30, ISRO’s first Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) was launched from the Sriharikota spaceport. Two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), were employed by the mission to show off its ability to dock in orbit.
The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), the first space docking mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh on an indigenous PSLV-C60 rocket. The goal of the project is to make India the fourth country to reach advanced technological competence. Two spacecraft, SDX01 and SDX02, with a total weight of 220 kg, to operate in a low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 470 kilometers.
In order to demonstrate electric power transmission between docked spacecraft—a characteristic that is critical for in-space robotics and post-undocking payload management—ISRO says the SpaDeX mission is important for India’s future space station aspirations and satellite servicing.
To provide vital information for upcoming manned space flights, ISRO has fitted sophisticated payloads, like imaging systems and radiation monitoring equipment, into satellites. The Chaser will approach the Target from up to 20 km away before performing the final docking operation on January 7, 2025, one week after the launch, once the satellites have reached their intended orbit.
The procedure entails bringing both spacecraft’ relative speeds down to 0.036 km/h, which is a major technical hurdle because they are moving faster than 28,800 km/h in relation to the Earth’s surface rather than between the two satellites because the speeds are relative to the entire planet.
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In order to facilitate experiments for startups, academic institutions, and research organisations, the PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM), the fourth stage of the PSLV, has been transformed into an operational orbital laboratory.
If ISRO is successful in this mission, India will join the US, Russia, and China as an important player in the global space community with space docking capability.
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