Breaking news:
PM Modi Emphasizes Harmony in Eid Greetings, Rahul Gandhi Calls for Peace | Four Chinese Men Detained After Fleeing Bangkok Collapse Site With Documents | PM Modi Makes First Visit to RSS Headquarters Since Taking Office | Trump Says He’s Seriously Considering a Third Term
Logo

ISRO Unveils Space Docking Experiment Satellites, Aiming to Master In-Space Docking Technology

ISRO has revealed the first look of its groundbreaking Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) satellites, marking a key step in India’s advancement in in-space docking technology 

22-12-2024
image
   

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday unveiled the first look of its pioneering Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) satellites, marking a significant milestone in India's pursuit of mastering in-space docking technology.

Set to launch aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C60 (PSLV-C60), the SpaDeX mission will propel India into an exclusive group of nations proficient in advanced in-space capabilities, including the US, Russia, and China.

A Leap Toward Advanced Space Exploration

SpaDeX, India’s first mission focused on autonomous docking technology, is crucial for the nation’s evolving space exploration goals. The mission will demonstrate key space operations, including the rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft in a low-Earth orbit.

These spacecraft, named SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target), each weigh around 220 kg and will be placed into a 470 km circular orbit at a 55-degree inclination. Their operation will follow a 66-day local time cycle.

Key Objectives and Future Prospects

In addition to demonstrating the docking process, the SpaDeX mission will achieve several secondary goals, such as:

  • The transfer of electric power between docked spacecraft, a crucial element for in-space robotics and other future applications
  • Managing composite spacecraft control
  • Conducting payload operations after undocking

This breakthrough technology is vital for ISRO’s long-term ambitions, such as the Chandrayaan-4 mission to retrieve lunar samples and the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Space Station (BAS).

Strategic Importance

In-space docking is essential for missions requiring multiple rocket launches, such as lunar exploration and sample return missions. The success of SpaDeX will enhance India's ability to conduct complex space operations and expand its role in the global space arena.

Moreover, the SpaDeX mission will provide critical insights for future projects, including the use of in-space robotics and the expansion of India’s space infrastructure. If successful, the mission will not only bolster India’s lunar ambitions but also support the creation of a sustainable space environment.

Image

Sunita Williams Shares Stunning View of India from Space, Praises Its Space A

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams described the breathtaking sight of India from space and expressed ex

Read More
Image

Woman Rescued from Rubble Three Days After Myanmar Quake as Death Toll Approa

A woman was pulled alive from a collapsed hotel in Myanmar, offering hope as rescuers race to find s

Read More
Image

Myanmar Earthquake Toll Rises to 1,700 as Rescuers Scramble for Survivors

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has left Myanmar devastated, with over 1,700 dead and thousands

Read More