New Delhi, December 28, 2024: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to close the year with a groundbreaking mission—the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)—scheduled for December 30, 2024. This ambitious mission aims to demonstrate India’s prowess in spacecraft docking technology, a feat achieved by only a handful of nations.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced that SpaDeX will mark a historic milestone in India’s space exploration journey. The mission will see two satellites, named SDX01 and SDX02, launched aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket from Sriharikota at 21:58 IST.
The satellites, each weighing approximately 220 kilograms, will orbit 470 km above Earth. The primary objective is to perform precision rendezvous and docking maneuvers, validate power transfer between docked spacecraft, and operate scientific payloads post-undocking. With a planned two-year lifespan, this mission is expected to pave the way for India’s upcoming lunar, interplanetary, and manned space missions.
Key Highlights of SpaDeX Mission:
- Precision Docking Technology: The satellites, designated as ‘Chaser’ and ‘Target’, will maneuver in orbit and dock with extreme precision, reducing relative speeds to just 0.036 km/h.
- Bharatiya Docking System: The indigenous technology will ensure seamless merging of the satellites.
- POEM-4 Experiments: The PSLV’s fourth stage (POEM-4) will host 24 payloads from academic institutions and startups, leveraging the microgravity environment for research.
- Simulation of Critical Docking Phases: The mission will involve a series of orbital maneuvers, including far rendezvous at 20 km and final docking at 3 meters.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that space docking technology is a crucial enabler for India’s ambitious missions, including Chandrayaan-4, the Bharatiya Antriksh Station, and the manned Gaganyaan mission.
ISRO scientists will perform intricate maneuvers to achieve docking in the near vacuum of space, a task that demands precision engineering and advanced navigation systems.
Significance for Future Space Missions:
- Satellite Servicing and Refueling: The technology enables in-orbit satellite repairs and resource optimization.
- Space Stations: Essential for building and maintaining space stations in orbit.
- Manned Missions: Supports logistics and crew transfer for extended space travel.
With SpaDeX, India joins an elite club of nations—USA, Russia, and China—that have successfully demonstrated space docking capabilities.
This mission is more than just a technological feat; it symbolizes India’s readiness for advanced space exploration and sets the stage for interplanetary missions and human spaceflight.
