Syllabus :GS 3/Science and Technology, Space
In News
- ISRO is demonstrating its first space docking (SpaDeX ) mission, aiming to bring two small satellites together and dock them in space.
| SpaDeX Mission – It is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission focused on in-space docking. 1. It uses two small spacecraft launched by the PSLV rocket. – The primary goal is to develop the technology needed for the docking of two small spacecraft — SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) — in a low-Earth orbit. – It aims to demonstrate rendezvous, docking, and undocking technologies in space. 1. The mission will employ advanced sensors like Laser Range Finder, Rendezvous Sensor, and Proximity and Docking Sensor for precise measurements, and a new satellite navigation-based processor for determining relative position and velocity. |
About Docking
- Docking is the process of bringing two spacecraft together in orbit and joining them, necessary for missions involving large spacecraft or space stations.
- It is crucial for setting up space stations, sending crew and supplies, and for future space station and lunar missions.
Docking in History
- In 1966, USA’s Gemini VIII, with astronaut Neil Armstrong, was the first to dock with an Agena target vehicle.
- In 1967, Soviet Union’s uncrewed Kosmos 186 and 188 demonstrated automated docking.
- In 2011, China’s Shenzhou 8 docked with Tiangong 1 space laboratory, followed by the first crewed docking in 2012.
Importance for India
- India is working on technologies for a space station by 2035 and lunar missions by 2040, requiring docking capabilities.
- The SpaDeX mission supports India’s space ambitions, including the Moon mission, sample return from the Moon, and the building and operation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
- The Chandrayaan-4 mission will use docking for transporting samples from the moon, involving multiple modules being launched separately and docked in orbit.
- The mission aims to position India as the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China in the world with the capability of in-space docking technology.
Emerging Challenges
- The docking process involves precise maneuvers and stringent sensor calibrations.
- Small deviations in speed, alignment, or timing can lead to failure.
- ISRO has postponed the docking attempt twice to refine these calibrations and algorithms.
Future Vision:
- Docking is essential for ferrying supplies to manned space stations and it allows refueling of space vehicles.
- It is also essential for missions that require multiple rocket launches to achieve common objectives.
- The docking capability is a step towards fully autonomous space missions, where future spacecraft may dock without satellite-based navigation data.
Source: IE
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