Tuesday, 14 Jan, 2025
The goal of the mission is to evaluate a number of critical technologies that are necessary for next space missions.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched a major technological project called the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) to create and showcase in-space docking technologies.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched PSLV-C60 with SpaDeX and cutting-edge payloads from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on Monday, December 30, 2024 marking an important milestone.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched a major technological project called the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) to create and showcase in-space docking technologies. Future projects like constructing space stations, fixing satellites, or refueling missions are made possible by this crucial technology, which enables two spacecraft to communicate while in orbit. Two tiny satellites, each weighing about 220 kg, are used in the mission. They are made to execute intricate maneuvers in order to approach, dock, and undock from one another. In order to demonstrate its usefulness, SpaDeX will also test the electric power transmission between the docked spacecraft. This technology opens the door for future ground-breaking projects and is essential to India's expanding space ambitions.
The goal of the mission is to evaluate a number of critical technologies that are necessary for next space missions. It involves two small spacecraft, SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target).
Developing and demonstrating the technology needed for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking in low-Earth orbit is the main goal. Future missions such as satellite maintenance and human spaceflight depend on this capacity.
For complex missions that need several rocket launches to accomplish shared goals, like the building and operation of India's planned space station, the Bharatiya Antriksh Station, and lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4, successful docking technology is crucial.
In order to increase operational flexibility when operating numerous spacecraft in orbit, the mission intends to demonstrate autonomous docking capabilities. This includes verifying electrical power transfer between docked spacecraft, which is vital for future robotic operations in space. In order to show that the numerous experiments on board both spacecraft are working after docking, the mission will also test payload operations. This includes cutting-edge technologies like a robotic arm intended for use in space.
For missions requiring the cooperation of numerous spacecraft, space docking technology is crucial. This includes putting together big structures in space, such satellites or space stations, which frequently require many launches and the capacity to dock different components in orbit.
Docking prolongs the operational life of satellites by enabling maintenance and refueling. This feature can improve the sustainability of satellite operations and lower the expenses related to launching replacements. Docking technology is essential for connecting to space stations and transferring crews between spacecraft on missions like India's Gaganyaan, which intends to launch humans into space. During manned missions, it guarantees safe and effective operations.
The mission will use the PSLV's expanded fourth stage, known as POEM-4 (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module), as a platform for microgravity research in addition to its docking goals. Academic institutions and startups will provide a total of 24 payloads to be transported on board.
The Target and Chaser will be launched into orbit simultaneously but separately. A tiny initial relative velocity between the satellites will be guaranteed by the PSLV's accuracy. During the Far Rendezvous phase, the Target will progressively establish an intersatellite separation of 10–20 km using onboard propulsion.
Then, gradually lowering the distance to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and eventually 3 m, where docking will take place, the Chaser will approach the Target. Prior to undocking the spacecraft for payload operations, the mission will demonstrate power transmission between the spacecraft after they are docked.
The Chaser, SDX01, features a High-Resolution Camera (HRC) that can take pictures and record videos. This is a scaled-down version of the security camera that ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC) created. The Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX) carried by the Target, SDX02, is utilized for vegetation research and natural resource monitoring. In order to properly plan and carry out India's domestic Gaganyaan astronaut missions, it also has a Radiation Monitor that will quantify radiation dosages experienced in space.
India aspires to become one of the few nations that have mastered space docking technology, along with the US, Russia, and China, by effectively showcasing these capabilities. This development establishes ISRO as a major force in the international space community. Developing proficiency in docking technology improves India's standing in the international space community by placing it among the few nations that can carry out such operations. This development encourages global cooperation and creates chances for joint research and missions.
With assistance from other ISRO centers, ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) developed the SpaDeX satellites. Final preparations were made at the launch site once complete integration and testing were completed in Bangalore. With assistance from ground stations, ISTRAC will oversee the mission's orbital phase. According to M. Sankaran, Director of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, which designs and constructs the Indian space agency's spacecraft, we hope to dock by the afternoon of January 7. He went on to say that the satellites require a week to align themselves with the sun so that their inbuilt solar panels can generate electricity.
