ISRO’s docking mission on; spacecraft reach right orbit

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Space
Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on Monday. The PSLV C60 rocket carrying two
small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), along with 24 payloads,
lifted off from the first launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in
Sriharikota at 10 p.m. With the SpaDeX mission, the ISRO aims at exhibiting
technologies needed for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking using two
small satellites which have been mastered by only an elite group of spacefaring
nations. The demonstration of this technology is essential for futuristic
missions, including sending an Indian astronaut to the moon, sample return from
the moon, and the building and operation of an Indian space station.

SpaDeX Mission

·       About: SpaDeX (Space
Docking Experiment) is a technology demonstrator mission developed by the ISRO
to showcase in-space docking technology. This mission aims to demonstrate the
ability to rendezvous, dock, and undock two small spacecraft, marking a
significant advancement in India’s space capabilities. The mission Duration is
of two years

·       Objective: The primary
goal of SpaDeX is to develop docking technologies for two small spacecraft,
SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), in low Earth orbit.

Ø  They will dock
autonomously using advanced sensors and propulsion systems.

Ø  Secondary
objectives include testing electric power transfer and demonstrating spacecraft
control.

·       Mission
Design: SpaDeX will deploy two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, into a 470 km orbit
using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket, where they drift apart
and gradually approach each other, eventually docking at distances from 20 km
to 3 meters.

Ø  The two
satellites are equipped with the Bharatiya Docking System (BDS).

Ø  SpaDeX is using
PSLV's fourth stage, POEM (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module)-4, to carry 24
payloads from academic institutions and startups. These experiments will
leverage the microgravity environment in orbit.

·       Docking
Challenge: The two satellites (Chaser and Target) will orbit at speeds of 28,800
km/h. They will need to carefully reduce their relative velocity to just 0.036
km/h before docking.

Key points

·       Overview: Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with the
launch of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on 30th December 2024. The
mission aims to demonstrate satellite docking capabilities, a crucial
technology for future space missions.

·       Space
Docking: Space docking is the intricate process of manoeuvring two fast-moving
spacecraft into the same orbit, bringing them closer, and joining them to form
a single unit. This capability is pivotal for assembling large structures or
transferring equipment, crew, or supplies in space.

·       Importance
of space docking for India: Modular Space Infrastructure - Docking
is a prerequisite for constructing multi-modular space stations. It allows the
assembly of structures in space, reducing the size and weight constraints of
single-launch missions.

Interplanetary
and Lunar Missions - Docking supports orbital refuelling, and payload
exchange, enhancing mission flexibility for lunar bases and Mars exploration.

Human
Spaceflight Program - Space Docking is critical for crew transfers and
emergency evacuations during long-duration missions like Gaganyaan and beyond.

Global
Collaboration and Market Potential - SpaDeX could position India
as the fourth nation, after Russia, the US, and China, to master space docking,
strengthening its presence in satellite servicing and enabling advanced
international collaborations.

Satellite
Servicing - Docking allows for repairing, refuelling, and upgrading satellites,
enhancing their operational life and performance.