ISRO's SpaDeX mission aims to achieve a historic Space Docking Feat on December 30

On December 30, ISRO's SpaDeX mission will attempt India's first satellite docking in space using the Bharatiya Docking System. This historic feat involves PSLV-C60 launching SDX01 and SDX02 from Sriharikota.

ISRO's SPADEX Mission Update

ISRO's SPADEX Mission Update

time

The year-end mission of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scheduled for December 30 is going to be a historic one. As per official sources, ISRO will seek the rare feat of docking or merging or joining together two satellites in Space. The project has been named "Space Docking Experiment" (SpaDeX).

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh informed that whole nation looks forward with bated breath as ISRO is set to achieve a significant milestone in Space technology.

The upcoming SpaDeX mission aims to dock two satellites in Space, a challenge only mastered by a few countries, PIB report read.

“This ambitious project will take place on December 30, 2024, under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) and the indigenous technology used for this mission is called the "Bharatiya Docking System. SpaDEX" will mark a milestone, showcasing India's expertise in spacecraft docking technology,” said Singh.

The mission will mark India’s entry into the exclusive league of nations capable of mastering space docking, reported PIB.

A unique approach, the PSLV rocket, will launch two satellites equipped with the 'Bhartiya Docking System' to demonstrate this complex feat, he added.

Mission Details

ISRO will launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEX) on December 30, 2024. The mission will use PSLV-C60, lifting off at 21:58 IST from Sriharikota.

SpaDEX will deploy two identical satellites, SDX01 and SDX02. Each satellite weighs around 220 kilograms and will orbit 470 km above Earth.

Key objectives include Performing precision rendezvous and docking manoeuvres,  validating power transfer between docked spacecraft and  operating payloads post-undocking, with a two-year lifespan.

This mission is essential for future endeavours, including satellite servicing and building India's space station, Bharatiya Antriksh Station.
SpaDEX will also use PSLV's fourth stage, POEM-4, for experiments. The stage will carry 24 payloads from academic institutions and startups. These experiments will utilise the microgravity environment in orbit.

SpaDEX will demonstrate docking and undocking capabilities between satellites. This includes transferring power and operating scientific payloads, the PIB report added.

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