The Indian Space Research Organisation launched the SpaDeX mission, or the Space Docking Experiment, via its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on Monday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The spacecraft has been launched into space on the PSLV-C60.
With this key mission, ISRO intends to develop and demonstrate the technology required to dock and undock spacecraft in space.
The mission will be a key milestone in India's space ambitions, including Indian on the Moon, sample return from the Moon, and the building and operation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
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.
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.
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