SpaDeX Launch Delayed By 2 Minutes; Check Updated Launch Time And Where To Watch It Live
Due to a 'traffic jam in space' the PSLV-C60 that would launch the SpaDeX mission was to be launched at 9.58 pm today, but now it has been pushed to 10 pm.
A conjunctions with other satellites in the same orbit has forced the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to postpone the launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) by two minutes. Earlier, the PSLV-C60 that would launch the SpaDeX mission or the Space Docking Experiment was to be launched at 9.58 p.m. today, but now it has been pushed to 10 p.m.
The launch has been postponed due to "conjunctions with other satellites in the same orbit", Dr S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, told NDTV.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on Dec. 30. With this key mission, ISRO intends to develop and demonstrate the technology required to dock and undock spacecraft in space.
The launch of two small satellites will be done using a PSLV-C60 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission could be a key milestone in India's space ambitions including Indian on Moon, sample return from the Moon, and the building and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). Ahead of the much-awaited launch, here are the key details about the mission.
ISRO SpaDeX Mission: Launch Date And Time
India's SpaDeX mission will be launched using a PSLV-C60 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The mission is scheduled to be launched precisely at 10:00:15 p.m. on Dec. 30.
ISRO SpaDex Mission Objective
The key objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology for docking and undocking two small spacecraft in a low-Earth circular orbit. Additionally, the mission aims to showcase the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, a crucial capability for future applications like in-space robotics. The mission also seeks to demonstrate composite spacecraft control and payload operations following undocking.
ISRO Spadex Mission: Key details
In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required for common mission objectives. The success of the SpaDeX mission will make India only the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology. The docking process refers to aligning and joining two satellites in space, which could be a remarkable achievement for future missions.
The mission will consist of two small spacecraft, each weighing approximately 220 kg. These spacecraft will be launched using a PSLV-C60 into a 470 km circular orbit at a 55-degree inclination, with a local time cycle of about 66 days.
The SpaDeX spacecraft was designed and developed by the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), with support from other ISRO centres, including VSSC, LPSC, SAC, IISU, and LEOS. During its orbital phase, the spacecraft will be controlled from ISTRAC, through ISRO ground stations and additional externally contracted ground stations.
ISRO SpaDeX Mission: Live Streaming Details
The launch will be streamed live on the official YouTube channel of ISRO. You can also watch the live stream below which will begin from 21:30 hours.
