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ISRO Undocks SpaDeX Satellites 

Last updated on March 18th, 2025 Posted on March 18, 2025 by NEXT IAS Current Affairs Team  332

Syllabus: GS3/ Space

In News

  • Nearly two months after ISRO successfully docked two satellites in space, it carried out an undocking procedure recently.

More About the News

  • This makes India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to demonstrate space docking and undocking capabilities.
  • To demonstrate this capability, ISRO launched the experimental Spadex mission on December 30, 2024. 

What is Space Docking?

  • Space docking is the process of bringing two fast-moving spacecraft into the same orbit, gradually bringing them closer, and physically joining them together.
  • This is a highly complex maneuver requiring precise navigation, automated control, and real-time adjustments.

Why is this Important?

  • Enabling Heavy Space Missions: Large spacecraft cannot be launched in one go due to weight limitations.
    • Docking allows modular spacecraft assembly in orbit, similar to the International Space Station (ISS).
  • Critical for Future Human Spaceflight: Essential for transporting astronauts & supplies to India’s planned space station by 2035.
    • Key to India’s crewed lunar missions (by 2040) under Gaganyaan & future Moon missions.
  • Supports Lunar Sample Return Missions: Chandrayaan-4, India’s future mission to bring back lunar soil and rock samples, will rely on docking technology.
  • Advancing In-Space Servicing & Robotics: Enables repairing, upgrading, and refueling satellites in orbit without launching new ones.

About India’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)

  • Objective: To demonstrate in-space docking, rendezvous, and undocking capabilities.
  • Satellites Used:
    • SDX01 (Chaser Satellite): Actively approached and docked with the target.
    • SDX02 (Target Satellite): Served as the docking module.
  • Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C60
  • Orbit: 470 km circular orbit
  • Developed by: UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, with support from other ISRO centers.

Post-Docking Applications

  • High-Resolution Imaging (SDX01): Capturing Earth observation images.
  • Multi-Spectral Payload (SDX02):Monitoring natural resources and vegetation.
  • Radiation Monitoring (SDX02): Studying space radiation to support future human space missions.

Source: IE

 
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