SPADEX MISSION: INDIA’S ACHIEVEMENT IN SPACE DOCKING

PRELIMS BITS

India’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission successfully demonstrated space docking, the joining of two fast-moving satellites in space, using two small spacecraft: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target).

Countries Achieving Space Docking

The US, Russia, and China are the other countries that have performed space docking, with India now becoming the fourth country to achieve this milestone.

About SpaDeX Mission

• Launch Details:
  • The mission was launched in December 2024 by ISRO using PSLV-C60 from the Sriharikota space center.
  • It carried SpaDeX and the 24 PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4) payloads.
• Mission Goal:
  • Develop and demonstrate technology for autonomous rendezvous and docking using two small spacecraft (SDX01 and SDX02).
  • Evaluate the controllability of the combined system after docking, including maintaining stability and maneuvering the docked spacecraft as a single unit.
  • Demonstrate the potential for extending the life of the target spacecraft.
  • Test power transfer between the docked spacecraft.
• Mission Life:
  • The mission will operate for up to two years after docking operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use of Indigenous Technologies

1. Inter-satellite Communication Link (ISL):
   • Enables autonomous communication between spacecraft.
2. GNSS-Based Novel Relative Orbit Determination and Propagation (RODP) Processor:
   • Helps determine the relative position and velocity of other spacecraft.
3. Other Indigenous Technologies:
   • Docking mechanism, sensor suite, and autonomous rendezvous and docking strategy.

Significance of SpaDeX Mission

1. Essential for India’s Space Ambitions:
   • SpaDeX is crucial for missions like sample return from the Moon and the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
2. Satellite Servicing and Maintenance:
   • Docking technology enables servicing and refueling of satellites, extending their operational lifespan.
3. Support for Future Space Missions:
   • Space docking helps in missions requiring multiple rocket launches to achieve common objectives.
4. Future Applications:
   • Potential for in-space robotics and could aid in natural resource monitoring and vegetation studies.