Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Dec 28: The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, the PMO, the Department of Atomic Energy, and the Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced today that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to undertake a groundbreaking mission on December 30, aiming to accomplish the rare and complex task of docking two satellites in space. This initiative has been termed the “Space Docking Experiment” (SpaDeX), he noted.
The nation eagerly anticipates this milestone as ISRO prepares to make a significant leap in space technology, stated the Minister from the Department of Space.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Jitendra Singh detailed that the upcoming SpaDeX mission’s objective is to successfully dock two satellites in space, a feat only a handful of nations have achieved. This ambitious endeavor is set for December 30, 2024, utilizing indigenous technology referred to as the “Bharatiya Docking System”.
“SpaDeX” is poised to be a landmark, showcasing India’s capabilities in spacecraft docking technology.
According to Dr. Jitendra Singh, this mission will signify India’s entry into the elite group of nations proficient in the art of space docking. Utilizing a unique approach, the PSLV rocket will deploy two satellites equipped with the ‘Bhartiya Docking System’ to accomplish this intricate task, he elaborated.
The success of this mission is crucial for India’s future space endeavors, emphasized the Minister. Docking technology is essential for long-term missions, including “Chandrayaan-4” and the development of the planned Indian space station. It also plays a vital role for the eventual manned “Gaganyaan” mission.
In the near vacuum of space, the release stated, ISRO will attempt to dock the two satellites operating at speeds of 28,800 km/h. This undertaking presents challenges, as both satellites must be meticulously maneuvered to decrease their relative velocities to just 0.036 km/h. The satellites, known as ‘Chaser’ and ‘Target’, will unite to become a single entity in space.
Should ISRO succeed, it will elevate India to a position among the leaders in global space exploration, marking a significant step towards enhanced innovations and new explorations. SpaDeX represents a crucial milestone that lays the foundation for more advanced space missions in the future. Set to launch on Dec 30, 2024, ISRO’s SpaDeX mission will showcase India’s spacecraft docking capabilities, signifying an important development in satellite servicing and exploration.
India is gearing up for a pivotal move in space exploration, with ISRO slated to launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on December 30, 2024. The mission will be launched aboard PSLV-C60, taking off at 21:58 IST from Sriharikota. SpaDeX is a groundbreaking endeavor that highlights India’s proficiency in spacecraft docking technology.
The SpaDeX mission will deploy two identical satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, each weighing approximately 220 kilograms, to orbit 470 km above the Earth. Key goals include executing precise rendezvous and docking maneuvers, validating power transfer between the docked satellites, and operating payloads after undocking, all within a two-year operational lifespan.
This mission is integral for future projects, particularly in satellite servicing and the construction of India’s space station, the Bharatiya Antriksh Station.
