SpaDeX MISSION

Why in News?

ISRO plans to launch SpaDeX (Space docking experiment) in December 2024.

• SpaDeX mission – 2 satellites/spacecrafts will be launched into orbit around the earth, where they will demonstrate various technologies while in motion.
  • Primary objective – Demonstration of Docking manoeuvre
  • Secondary objectives – Demonstration of the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft.

Docking specifically refers to joining of 2 separate free-flying space vehicles. Power transfer technology, also known as wireless power transfer (WPT), is a technology that allows electrical energy to be transmitted without the use of physical wires or connectors.

• Spacecraft & Technology – SpaDeX spacecraft were designed and realised by the UR Rao Satellite Centre.
• The full integration and testing of the satellite were carried out at Ananth Technologies, Bengaluru.
• Launched by – PSLV C-60
• Launch specifications – Both spacecraft will be launched simultaneously but independently into a
  • 470-km wide circular orbit at 55° inclination
  • With a local time cycle of about 66 days
• Docking manoeuvre – It is made up of 2 small spacecraft
  • Chaser - SDX01
  • Target- SDX02
• It involves various stages like
  • Rendezvous – Aligning orbits of 2 spacecraft
  • Docking – Connecting 2 spacecraft
  • Undocking – Disconnecting the 2 spacecraft.
• It requires very precise control of the spacecraft's attitude and velocity to ensure a safe connection.

• Significance – It is vital for
  • Assembly and maintenance of the space stations – Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)
  • Crew transfer – Gaganyaan human space flight mission
  • Suppling fuel to missions – Chandrayaan-4 mission, for sample return from the Moon.
  • cost-effective indigenous

India will be the 4^th country in the world to have space docking technology if the mission is successfully completed.

Reference

1. Business Line | SpaDeX Mission
2. The Hindu| Orbital Docking