ISRO’S SPADEX (SPACE DOCKING EXPERIMENT)

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Why in News?
ISRO is set to launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts. This mission will demonstrate satellite docking technology, essential for future space missions.

SpaDeX is a technology demonstrator mission developed by ISRO to showcase in-space docking capabilities. The mission will involve the docking and undocking of two small spacecraft, marking a major advancement in India’s space technology.

Objective:
The primary goal is to develop docking technologies for two spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), in low Earth orbit. They will dock autonomously using advanced sensors and propulsion systems.

Secondary goals include testing electric power transfer and demonstrating spacecraft control.

Mission Duration: 2 years

Mission Design:

• SpaDeX will deploy two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, into a 470 km orbit using the PSLV rocket.
• The two satellites will drift apart and approach each other, docking at distances ranging from 20 km to 3 meters.
• The satellites will be equipped with the Bharatiya Docking System (BDS), featuring identical, low-impact, androgynous docking mechanisms for flexibility and precision.
• The mission will also carry 24 payloads from academic institutions and startups via PSLV’s POEM-4 module, allowing experiments in microgravity.

Space Docking Technology Crucial for India

• Modular Space Infrastructure:
  Docking allows the assembly of large space structures, such as multi-modular space stations, reducing size and weight constraints for single-launch missions.
• Interplanetary and Lunar Missions:
  Docking is essential for orbital refueling, payload exchange, and mission flexibility for missions to the Moon and Mars, including Chandrayaan-4 and India’s future Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
• Human Spaceflight Program:
  Docking technology is vital for crew transfers and emergency evacuations in long-duration missions like Gaganyaan.
• Global Collaboration and Market Potential:
  By mastering docking, India could become the fourth country (after Russia, the US, and China) to have this capability, boosting its position in satellite servicing and opening doors for international collaboration.
• Satellite Servicing:
  Space docking can enable satellite repairs, refueling, and upgrades, enhancing satellite lifespan and functionality.

MAINS QUESTION

Discuss the significance of ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) in advancing India’s space technology. How does it contribute to future space missions and satellite servicing?