ISRO is going to launch Space Docking Experiment (Spadex) on 30 December. With this launch, ISRO is ready to take a big leap in the space program. Along with this, after this mission, India will join the elite club of those three countries of the world (America, Russia and China) in the field of space technology that have the capability to dock two spacecraft or satellites in outer space.This mission will be launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) from Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota. This is ISRO’s last mission of the year 2024. This mission will open new avenues for research and cooperation. This will strengthen India’s role as a major player in the global space community.
Why this mission is important
This mission is an important milestone for ISRO. It will demonstrate docking capabilities in space, a crucial technology for future space endeavours. Its primary objective is to develop and test the systems required for docking and undocking of two spacecraft. Docking in space is one of the most difficult and complex processes. Even the slightest mistake can lead to disaster.ISRO’s mission on December 30 will have two spacecraft – Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02). Each of these weighs 220 kg. As the name suggests, the aim of the mission will be for the Chaser to chase the Target while both are orbiting the Earth at high speed and dock with it quick.
What will be the mission process
ISRO’s launch will be on PSLV-C60 rocket. It will put both spacecraft in low-earth orbit about 470 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. Both spacecraft will be inclined 55 degrees towards the Earth. After being deployed in a circular orbit, both spacecraft will move about 20 kilometers apart in 24 hours. After this, scientists sitting at ISRO’s mission control in Bengaluru will begin complex and precise docking and undocking maneuvers.The accuracy of the PSLV will ensure a small initial relative velocity between the satellites. Using onboard propulsion, the target will gradually create an inter-satellite separation of 10-20 km. This is known as the far rendezvous phase. The chaser will then approach the target in stages. The distance will gradually decrease to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m and finally 3 m, where docking will take place. Once docked, the mission will perform power transfer between the spacecraft before undocking them for payload operations.
Mission objectives
1-To demonstrate precision maneuvers for rendezvous and docking of satellites.
2-To validate the transfer of electric power between docked spacecraft.
3-To operate payloads after undocking, with a mission life of up to two years.
What will be the benifits of the mission
This mission is important for India’s ability to establish its own space station. It will also provide future docking capability to India’s RLV or Reusable Launch Vehicle, the Indian version of NASA’s iconic space shuttle. This capability is essential for missions that require more than one launch to achieve common objectives. It will carry a total of 24 payloads contributed by academic institutions and startups on board.