NEW DELHI, Dec 28: Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State with independent charges across various departments including Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, announced today that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised for a groundbreaking mission on December 30. This mission aims to achieve a remarkable first: the docking of two satellites in space, dubbed the “Space Docking Experiment” (SpaDeX).
The Minister expressed excitement as the nation eagerly anticipates ISRO’s significant advancement in space technology.
In an exclusive media interview, Dr. Singh detailed that the SpaDeX mission, taking place on December 30, 2024, will involve docking two satellites, a feat only accomplished by a few countries worldwide. This ambitious project will utilize an indigenous technology known as the “Bharatiya Docking System.”
“SpaDeX” is set to be a pivotal achievement, highlighting India’s growing expertise in spacecraft docking technologies. Dr. Singh noted that this mission places India among the select nations proficient in space docking systems. Utilizing a unique approach, the PSLV rocket will launch two satellites featuring the Bhartiya Docking System to carry out this intricate operation.
The Minister emphasized the importance of this mission for India’s future space undertakings, stating that mastering docking technology is essential for long-duration missions such as “Chandrayaan-4” and the proposed Indian space station, as well as the eventual crewed “Gaganyaan” initiative.
In the near vacuum of space, ISRO will attempt to dock two satellites orbiting at a speed of 28,800 km/h. This operation is particularly challenging, as it requires precise maneuvering to decrease their relative velocities to merely 0.036 km/h. The satellites, named ‘Chaser’ and ‘Target’, will synergize to become one unit in space.
Achieving success in this mission will elevate India’s status among the global space leaders, representing a major stride towards enhanced space exploration and innovation. SpaDeX is expected to drastically increase the complexity of future space missions. The mission is scheduled for launch on December 30, 2024, and will serve as a significant demonstration of India’s spacecraft docking capabilities in support of satellite servicing initiatives.
India is gearing up for a pivotal chapter in space exploration with ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), launching on December 30, 2024. The PSLV-C60 will lift off at 21:58 IST from Sriharikota. SpaDeX embodies a milestone in showcasing India’s capabilities in spacecraft docking technology.
SpaDeX will deploy two identical satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, each weighing around 220 kilograms and orbiting 470 km above Earth. Key objectives include executing precise rendezvous and docking maneuvers, validating power transfer between the docked satellites, and operating payloads after undocking, with a planned operational lifespan of two years.
This mission is critical for upcoming projects including satellite servicing and the creation of India’s space station, namely the Bharatiya Antriksh Station.
Additionally, SpaDeX will utilize the fourth stage of PSLV, known as POEM-4, for supplementary experiments. This stage will accommodate 24 payloads from academic institutions and startups, aiming to exploit the microgravity environment in orbit.
SpaDeX will aim to demonstrate the docking and undocking functionalities between satellites, which includes power transfer and scientific payload operation. The mission will simulate a sequence of maneuvers, initiating with a far rendezvous phase at 20 km and concluding with docking at a mere distance of 3 metres.
Mastering these capabilities is essential for India’s future lunar and interplanetary missions. Docking technology is critical for multi-launch missions and supports aspirations for human spaceflight, a domain so far successfully navigated only by the US, Russia, and China.
