ISRO is set to launch the SpaDeX mission on December 30, 2024, to demonstrate autonomous docking between two satellites, advancing India's capabilities in satellite servicing and human spaceflight
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on December 30, 2024, at 10:00 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This mission aims to demonstrate autonomous rendezvous and docking capabilities between two small satellites, marking a significant milestone in India's space technology development.
The SpaDeX mission involves two identical satellites, each weighing approximately 220 kilograms, designated as SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target). These satellites will be deployed into slightly different low Earth orbits by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60). The primary objective is to achieve autonomous docking, a complex maneuver requiring precise navigation and control.
The mission's goals include verifying the transfer of electrical power between the docked satellites, demonstrating controllability in the docked configuration, and conducting post-docking payload operations. These capabilities are essential for future missions involving satellite servicing, modular space station assembly, and other proximity operations in space.
Developing autonomous docking technology presents several challenges, particularly concerning the low mass and inertia of the satellites, which can make the docking process susceptible to disturbances. To address these challenges, ISRO has developed a low-impact, androgynous peripheral docking system designed for compatibility with modular spacecraft configurations. The system employs a suite of sensors, including laser rangefinders and proximity sensors, to facilitate precise navigation during the docking process.
The SpaDeX mission also incorporates the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4), which will host additional payloads for in-orbit experiments. This approach allows ISRO to maximize the mission's scientific and technological output by utilizing the launch vehicle's upper stage as an experimental platform after satellite deployment.
In preparation for the launch, ISRO has completed the integration of the PSLV-C60 launch vehicle with the SpaDeX satellites. The mission was initially scheduled for 9:58 PM but was rescheduled to 10:00 PM IST to avoid potential collisions with other space objects, highlighting the increasing congestion in Earth's orbit.
The successful execution of the SpaDeX mission will position India among the few nations capable of autonomous space docking, paving the way for advanced space operations, including human spaceflight and on-orbit satellite servicing. This mission underscores ISRO's commitment to advancing India's space capabilities and contributing to global space exploration efforts.
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Tariq Malik
