India is gearing up for a milestone in space exploration with the upcoming launch of ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEX) mission on December 30, 2024. This mission will demonstrate India’s advanced spacecraft docking technology, a crucial step towards enhancing satellite servicing capabilities and supporting future interplanetary missions.
Details and Objectives
The SpaDEX mission will deploy two identical satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, each weighing 220 kilograms and orbiting at 470 km above Earth. Key mission objectives include performing precise rendezvous and docking maneuvers, validating power transfer between docked spacecraft, and operating payloads after undocking, with a two-year operational lifespan. These capabilities are essential for future projects, including the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (India’s space station).
Use of PSLV’s Fourth Stage
A unique feature of this mission is the use of PSLV’s fourth stage, POEM-4, which will carry 24 payloads from academic institutions and startups. These experiments will take advantage of the microgravity environment in orbit, further enhancing the scope of the mission.
Why SpaDEX Matters
SpaDEX will be instrumental in demonstrating docking and undocking capabilities, which include power transfer and payload operation. It will simulate a sequence of maneuvers, starting with a rendezvous at 20 km and culminating in docking at just 3 meters. This technology is critical for supporting multi-launch missions, human spaceflight, and upcoming lunar and interplanetary missions. Only the US, Russia, and China have achieved similar advancements in space docking, making SpaDEX a significant step for India’s space program.
