Introduction
India’s space journey is set to reach new heights with ISRO’s SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, an ambitious milestone in the global space race. Slated for launch aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, SpaDeX will not only establish India as the fourth nation to master in-orbit docking but also pave the way for future space exploration programs like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and Chandrayaan-4. This groundbreaking mission will showcase the rendezvous, docking, and undocking capabilities of two satellites in low-Earth orbit, marking a pivotal moment in India’s space technology advancements.
Context
- As we are talking, ISRO is preparing to launch its most hottest mission of 2024 i.e. SpaDeX mission or Space Docking Experiment.
- It is a predecessor to ISRO’s Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and the Chandrayan-4 missions.
- It will be also demonstrate in-orbit docking.
What is PSLV-C60 SpaDex Mission?
- The PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission is a landmark mission aimed at demonstrating in-space docking and undocking technology.
- This mission would position India as the fourth country in the world to master space docking, following the US, Russia, and China.
Objective:
- To demonstrate the docking, undocking, and rendezvous capabilities of two satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
- Facilitate power transfer between docked spacecraft, an essential capability for future space missions.
Satellites: (Each weighing 220kg.)
- SDX01 (Chaser): Equipped with a High-Resolution Camera (HRC).
- SDX02 (Target): Carries a Miniature Multispectral Payload (MMX) and a Radiation Monitor (RadMon).
Configuration:
- The satellites will be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) in a core-alone (CA) configuration, meaning without strap-on boosters.
- They will be placed in a 476-km circular orbit with an inclination of 55°.
- The duo will also have different velocities such that the gap between them increases to 10-20 km after a day.
How Docking and Un-Docking would be performed?
- The propulsion system on board the ‘Target’ satellite will be used to slow it down to the same speed as the ‘Chaser’ over time.
- They will eventually maintain a distance of 20 km in the same orbit heading up to the SpaDeX mission’s first milestone, called far rendezvous.
- Then they will move closer such that the gap drops to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500m, 225 m, 15 m, and finally 3 m.
- Then ‘Chaser’ and ‘Target’ will dock.
- After a rigid mechanical connection is realized between the two satellites, electrical power transfer between ‘Target’ and ‘Chaser’ will be demonstrated.
- After this they would Undock and drift a part.
- They will then operate their on-board payloads with a mission life of two years. The ‘Chaser’ has a high-resolution camera. The ‘Target’ has a miniature multispectral payload and a radiation monitor.
Significance of SpeDeX:
- It is a strategic step towards several ambitious space objectives, including:
- Preparing for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program
- Enabling Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return missions
- Developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s proposed space station35
Conclusion
The PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission represents a monumental leap in India’s space capabilities. By demonstrating in-orbit docking, undocking, and power-sharing between satellites, ISRO is laying the foundation for future human spaceflight, space station development, and deep-space exploration. As India ascends in the global space arena, SpaDeX is a testament to ISRO’s ingenuity, reinforcing its role as a key player in the quest to unlock the mysteries of the universe.
FAQs
1. What is ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission?
The SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission is a pioneering initiative by ISRO to demonstrate in-orbit docking and undocking technology, crucial for future space programs.
2. Why is the SpaDeX Mission significant?
SpaDeX establishes India as the fourth country to master space docking, opening pathways for human spaceflight, lunar missions, and the development of a space station.
3. Which satellites are part of the SpaDeX Mission?
The mission involves two satellites: SDX01 (Chaser), equipped with a high-resolution camera, and SDX02 (Target), featuring a multispectral payload and radiation monitor.
4. How will the docking process be executed?
The Target satellite will slow down using its propulsion system, aligning with the Chaser to achieve a docking distance of 3 meters, followed by a rigid mechanical connection and power transfer.
5. What are the future implications of the SpaDeX Mission?
SpaDeX will aid ISRO in developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, executing the Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission, and preparing for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
6. What is the mission life of SpaDeX satellites?
The SpaDeX satellites have a mission life of two years, during which they will operate onboard payloads for scientific and technological research.
