The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for an ambitious leap in space technology with its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) launch. The mission is scheduled for Monday, at 9:58 PM, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, using the trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60).
This milestone mission aims to place India alongside an elite group of nations with space docking capabilities.
What is SpaDeX all about?
The SpaDeX mission involves deploying two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), into a low-Earth circular orbit at an altitude of 470 km. The primary goal is to test and demonstrate the technology for these spacecraft’s rendezvous, docking, and undocking. Unlike larger docking missions, SpaDeX presents a unique challenge due to the precision required for these maneuvers, given the smaller size and mass of the satellites.
This mission also serves as a precursor for autonomous docking systems critical for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4.
By mastering this technology, India aims to join the exclusive club of countries with space docking expertise currently limited to the United States, Russia, and China.
How does docking work in space?
Docking involves aligning and physically connecting two spacecraft in orbit. For SpaDeX, the process begins with the two satellites nearby gradually drifting apart over 24 hours. The Chaser then systematically approaches the Target, reducing the distance incrementally from 20 km to just 3 m, culminating in their docking.
The satellites have a differential GNSS-based positioning system (SPS) for accurate positioning.
A novel RODP processor within the SPS ensures precise relative positions and velocities calculation by leveraging carrier phase measurements from GNSS satellites. VHF/UHF transceivers further aid this advanced system, facilitating data exchange between spacecraft.
The road to launch
The SpaceX satellites were developed by ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) with contributions from various ISRO centers. Full integration and testing were carried out in Bangalore, followed by final preparations at the launch site. ISTRAC will manage the mission’s orbital phase, supported by ground stations.
For people who wish to witness the groundbreaking mission’s launch, ISRO is streaming it live on YouTube starting at 9:30 PM IST. With SpaDeX, ISRO is set to showcase India’s growing prowess in cutting-edge space technologies, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space exploration.