The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on December 30, 2024.
Mission Details:
- Launch Date and Vehicle:
- Launched on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
- Used the PSLV-C60 rocket, a reliable workhorse of ISRO.
- Payload:
- Two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), weighing 220 kg each.
- Accompanied by 24 additional payloads.
- Satellites were successfully deployed into a 470-km circular orbit.
- Objective:
- To demonstrate technologies for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking using the indigenous Bharatiya Docking System.
- These capabilities are critical for missions requiring autonomous spacecraft interaction.
Importance of SpaDeX:
- Technological Breakthrough:
- Places India among an elite group of spacefaring nations capable of space docking technologies.
- Enhances India’s capacity for advanced space exploration and orbital operations.
- Applications in Future Missions:
- Chandrayaan-4: Crucial for transferring lunar samples to a return capsule in orbit. A sample-return vehicle will have to dock in lunar orbit to transfer to sample to a return capsule. The ability to dock autonomously is also required for space station construction and operation as ISRO develops its human spaceflight program .
- Human Spaceflight Program: Essential for constructing and operating a space station or performing orbital assembly.
- Lunar Exploration: Paves the way for sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon.
- Strategic Advancement:
- Strengthens India’s position in the global space community.
- Supports ambitious goals like the Indian Space Station and deep-space exploration missions.
- Autonomous Docking:
- Key for interplanetary missions, satellite servicing, and collaborative international space ventures.
