Context: Historic Achievement
- ISRO successfully executed its first satellite docking experiment (SpaDeX), making India the fourth country after the U.S., Russia, and China to achieve this feat.
Relevance : GS 3(Space )
Mission Details:
- Satellites Involved: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target).
- Launch: The satellites were launched on December 30, 2024, via PSLV C60 into a 475-km circular orbit.
Docking Process:
- Steps Completed:
- Manoeuvre from 15m to 3m hold point.
- Docking initiation with precise alignment.
- Retraction for secure attachment and rigidisation for stability.
- The docking was initially postponed on January 7 and 8 due to drift and abort scenarios but successfully completed on January 11, 2025.
Significance of SpaDeX:
- Demonstrates critical technologies for future space missions, including:
- Building an Indian space station.
- Lunar sample return missions.
- Manned lunar missions.
- Post-docking, ISRO gained control of the two satellites as a single unit.
Follow-Up Objectives:
- Undocking and Power Transfer:
- Demonstrating electric power transfer between docked satellites for in-space robotics and payload operations.
- Application Missions:
- Satellites will be separated and operated for respective payload missions with a lifespan of up to two years.
Technical and Operational Challenges:
- Required precise manoeuvres and ground simulations to address drift and abort scenarios.
Strategic Implications:
- Advances India’s capabilities in spacecraft docking, a critical step toward enhancing space exploration and operations.
- Positions India among elite nations in space docking technology.
ISRO’s Statement:
- Acknowledged the achievement as a historic milestone for the nation and congratulated the team.
