Introduction
The Indian Space Research Organization is scheduled to launch its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex) mission on 30th December. The mission aims to develop a cost-effective technology required to dock and undock spacecraft from Sriharikota using its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) rocket.
Source- Times of India
Objectives of the mission
Through this mission, India will become the fourth country in the world to have its own space docking technology. This mission is very important for the success of other missions that ISRO is aiming for, such as landing an Indian on the moon and sample return from the moon. It becomes essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve the common objective. The SpaDex mission will focus on three key tasks:
1) Demonstrating performance of rendezvous and docking phase with precision.
2) While the two satellites get connected, the mission will test if they can share the electrical power effectively.
3) Operation of equipment in the post-docking phase.
Mission concept
This Spadex mission is about practicing docking. Docking is when two space satellites or spacecraft come together and connect while in space. In this mission there are two satellites, SDXO1 (Chaser) and SDXO2 (Target), each weighing 220 kg. Both the satellite, Chaser, and Target will be launched simultaneously with a little difference in speed. The Target satellite will move on its own using its own engine, creating a distance of 10-20 km. This is called the far rendezvous phase.
Next, the Chaser satellite will move closer to the Target satellite, reducing the distance to just 3m, where both of them will connect. They will orbit the Earth at 470 km and perform docking to test how they can share power while being connected and operate their equipment after separating.
Why the mission matters to India This docking and undocking experiment is necessary for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 or building India’s space station, which will be requiring the launch of multiple spacecraft and satellites. With the success of the mission, India aims to join the elite group of nations such as the US, China, and Russia, who have already succeeded in building a docking technology. ISRO shared a video showing the satellites being moved to the launch site for final checks ahead of the mission, and the public can watch the live stream from a special viewing gallery or follow updates online on India Today Science.
