CHENNAI, Dec 20: In what may mark another significant achievement in its space exploration endeavors and a transformative step for upcoming missions such as Chandrayaan-4, the fourth lunar expedition, and Gaganyaan, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for its inaugural space docking mission with a SpaceX satellite from the SHAR Range on December 30. The agency will utilize its dependable workhorse launch vehicle, PSLV-C60, for this mission, which is anticipated to occur from the First Launch Pad at the Sriharikota spaceport. In a post on X, ISRO stated, “Through internal sources, we have confirmed that in addition to SPADEX, ISRO is also set to conduct their tethered satellite capture via robotic arm experiment on their very next mission – PSLV-C60!” What we know about this experiment so far involves a free-flying cubesat tethered to the POEM platform, which will be captured using a robotic arm mounted on POEM. “Demonstrating this technology will be a crucial advancement for ISRO’s future plans to develop capabilities for capturing and deorbiting space debris, as well as servicing and refueling spacecraft in orbit,” ISRO added. Currently, PSLV-C60 is expected to launch on December 30, according to the space agency. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEX), featuring two satellites, represents India’s first mission aimed at demonstrating autonomous docking technology in space. This mission will also showcase technologies essential for India’s future human spaceflight programs, particularly the inaugural Gaganyaan mission, likely scheduled for 2025-26. The SpaDEX mission follows the successful launch of the European Space Agency’s Proba-3 two-satellite formation flying mission using PSLV-C59, which achieved its launch objectives by precisely placing both spacecraft into the targeted orbit on December 5. At that time, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath noted that the space agency was preparing for the next mission, SpaDEX using PSLV-C60, and that preliminary work was already in progress for a launch later this month. ISRO will again employ its XL version for the SpaDEX mission. SPADEX or Space Docking Experiment is a dual-satellite mission developed by ISRO to mature technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, and formation flying, with potential applications in human spaceflight, in-space satellite servicing, and other proximity operations. The SPADEX campaign will consist of two IMS class-2 satellites (400 kg each), named Chaser and Target. Both will be launched as co-passengers and injected into slightly different orbits, only to reunite in space—essential for enabling spacecraft refueling and extending operational lifespans, as well as transferring vital systems between orbiting vehicles. Key objectives of the mission include autonomous rendezvous and docking, controlling one spacecraft with the attitude control system of the other while docked, formation flying, and remote robotic arm operation. Reports indicate that preliminary studies for the Space Docking Experiment were initiated in 2016, receiving approval from the Union Government in 2017. By June 2019, ISRO sought proposals to study remote robotic arm operation, rendezvous, and docking technologies on its PSLV fourth stage (PS4) orbital platform known as POEM. Ananth Technologies Limited, a private space firm, completed the assembly, integration, and testing of the satellites for ISRO and delivered them to the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC). The docking aspect is a critical component of Chandrayaan-4, with ISRO intending SPADEX to serve as a precursor. The SPADEX mission satellites have undergone thorough testing and a complete simulation demonstration has been performed. The success of both the planned Bharatiya Antariksha Station and Gaganyaan space flights relies on this mission’s outcomes. (UNI)
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