ISRO is all set to start its SpaDeX Mission which is said to help India achieve a significant milestone in space technology. The primary aim of this mission is to dock two satellites in space, this milestone is achieved by only the US, China, and Russia, while now India is aiming to be the 4th country to achieve this feat.
This mission will take place on December 30th, 2024 under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX). ISRO will deploy this mission using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60), which is scheduled to lift off at 21:58 IST from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. ISRO has been constantly sharing the updates of this mission on the X platform. Recently ISRO shared an animated video of in-space docking.
š PSLV-C60/SPADEX Mission Update š
Visualize SpaDeX in Action!
šļø Animation Alert:
Experience the marvel of in-space docking with this animation!š Click here for more information: https://t.co/jQEnGi3ocF pic.twitter.com/djVUkqXWYS
— ISRO (@isro) December 27, 2024
ISRO has also explained about this mission in its release. As per which SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV. This technology is essential for India’s space ambitions such as India on the Moon, sample return from the Moon, building and operation of Bharatiya Antriksh Station, etc. This mission is said to be a forerunner for autonomous docking needed for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4 without the support of NSS from Earth.
The primary objective is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit. Secondary objectives include- the demonstration of the transfer of electric power between docked spacecraft, composite spacecraft control, and payload operations after undocking.
The mission consists of two small spacecraft (about 220 kg each) to be launched by PSLV-C60, independently and simultaneously into a 470 km circular orbit at a 55-degree inclination, with a local time cycle of about 66 days.
As for the current development of the mission, SpaDeX spacecraft was designed and realized by UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) with the support of other ISRO centers (VSSC, LPSC, SAC, IISU, and LEOS). Presently, after completing all tests and clearances, the spacecraft has moved from URSC to SDSC and is undergoing preparations for launch.
Registration for the public to witness the launch from Launch View Gallery at SDSC SHAR started on 23rd December. Those interested can register on this link.
