ISRO PSLV C60 Spadex Mission | Space Docking Experiment

ISRO PSLV C60 Spadex Mission

ISRO PSLV C60 Spadex Mission | Space Docking Experiment

ISRO PSLV C60 Spadex Mission is about India’s exciting mission to test out space docking! This mission aims to see if India can master the tricky task of getting two spacecraft to meet and connect in orbit.

Here’s a summary of ISRO’s PSLV C60 Spadex mission:

What it is:

  • SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment): This mission aims to see if India can master the tricky task of getting two spacecraft to meet and connect in orbit. It’s like a delicate dance in space!
  • PSLV C60: This is the trusty workhorse rocket that launched the two SpaDeX satellites. PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) has been a reliable launch vehicle for ISRO for many years.

Why it matters:

  • Future missions: SpaDeX is a crucial step towards more ambitious goals like:
    • Bringing back samples from the Moon.
    • Sending Indian astronauts to the Moon.
    • Building India’s own space station (called Bharatiya Antariksh Station or BAS).
  • Technological advancement: Successfully docking in space requires precise maneuvering and control, showing the world India’s growing space capabilities.

ISRO PSLV C60 Spadex Mission

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How it works:

  1. Launch: The PSLV C60 rocket launched two small satellites (SDX01 and SDX02) into orbit.
  2. Maneuvering: The satellites will move around, testing different ways to approach each other.
  3. Docking: The ultimate goal is for the two satellites to connect, demonstrating ISRO’s ability to perform this complex maneuver.

Latest updates:

  • Successful launch: The PSLV C60 rocket successfully launched the SpaDeX satellites on December 30, 2024.
  • Docking expected soon: ISRO Chairman S Somanath indicated that the docking maneuver is expected to happen around January 7, 2025.

Where to learn more:

  • ISRO website: Check the official ISRO website for updates and details.
  • News sources: Keep an eye on news websites like The Hindu, Indian Express, and Times of India for the latest news on the mission.

SpaDEX will also use PSLV’s fourth stage, POEM-4, for experiments. The stage will carry 24 payloads from academic institutions and startups. These experiments will utilise the microgravity environment in orbit.

SpaDEX will demonstrate docking and undocking capabilities between satellites. This includes transferring power and operating scientific payloads. The mission will simulate a sequence of manoeuvres, starting with a far rendezvous phase at 20 km and ending with docking at 3 metres.

This capability is vital for India’s lunar and interplanetary missions. Docking technology enables multi-launch missions and supports future human spaceflight. Only the US, Russia, and China have mastered such advancements so far.