(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) SpaDeX MISSION

(FEBRUARY-2025)

SpaDeX MISSION

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released a video showcasing the successful satellite docking as part of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX).

Key Details

The Space Docking Experiment mission was successfully launched using PSLV-C60 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
Note: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is ISRO’s reliable workhorse rocket, known for its consistent success in launching satellites into various orbits. The “C60” denotes the specific mission number of the PSLV series.
The satellites were placed in a low-earth orbit, typically 500-2,000 km above Earth’s surface.

This orbit is preferred for Earth observation, communication, and research satellites due to the shorter travel time and reduced fuel requirement.

About SpaDeX Mission

Space Docking Experiment is a twin satellite mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to mature and demonstrate technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, formation flying.
Chaser and Target: SpaDeX consists of two modified IMS-1 class satellites weighing 220 kg each. During proximity operations one spacecraft acts as a Chaser and other acts as a Target.
After deployment, the two spacecraft then executed manoeuvres to bring them together again. The Chaser (SDX01) approached the target (SDX02) and then carried out precision manoeuvres to complete a successful docking.

Indigenous technologies incorporated in the SpaDex Mission:

Docking mechanism.
A suite of four rendezvous and docking sensors.
Power transfer technology.
Indigenous novel autonomous rendezvous and docking strategy.
Inter-satellite communication link (ISL) for autonomous communication between spacecraft, incorporated with inbuilt intelligence to know the state of the other spacecraft.
GNSS-based Novel Relative Orbit Determination and Propagation (RODP) processor to determine the relative position and velocity of the other spacecraft.
Simulation test beds for both hardware and software design validation and testing.

Objectives of the Mission:

To demonstrate an autonomous rendezvous and docking using the V-bar approach.
To verify electrical power transfer between two docked spacecraft.
To execute a composite spacecraft control using the attitude Control System of another spacecraft while both are in a docked configuration.
To act as independent satellites after undocking, and to operate their payloads for a period of two years.

Significance of the mission for India

Expands scope of Future Missions:

Space docking is a critical prerequisite for upcoming space missions, such as lunar exploration and the operation of space stations. By successfully executing this mission, ISRO is laying the foundation for autonomous docking—a vital capability for future missions like Chandrayaan-4.
Additionally, the SpaDeX mission will play a key role in supporting India’s ambitious space goals, such as the Gaganyaan mission, sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon and setting up the Bharat Antariksh Space Station.

Raises India’s stature in Strategic Space Community

The mission strengthens India’s position as a key player in the global space community.
SpaDeX is a testament to India’s strides in indigenous innovation, further solidifying its position on the global space map.
With this success, India became only the fourth country to achieve successful space docking following the United States, Russia and China.