What is SpaDex Mission? Know All About ISRO’s Space Docking Mechanism and Spacecraft

The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) is a major technology initiative of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to develop and demonstrate space docking technology.

This key feature allows two spacecraft to connect in orbit, allowing for future missions such as building a space station, servicing satellites or refueling missions.

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The mission involves two small satellites, each weighing about 220 kilograms, designed to perform complex maneuvers to approach, dock and detach from each other.

In addition, SpaDeX will test power transmission between docked spacecraft to demonstrate its practicality.

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This technology is critical to India’s growing space ambitions and paves the way for future groundbreaking projects.

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The Purpose of the SpaDeX Mission: Why Space Docking Matters

The SpaDeX mission (Space Docking Experiment) launched by ISRO is a key initiative aimed at demonstrating and developing space docking technology.

The mission involves two small spacecraft: SDX01 (Pursuer) and SDX02 (Target) and is designed to demonstrate a number of key technologies necessary for future space missions.

SpaDeX Mission Purpose

1. Docking Technology Demonstration: The primary goal is to develop and demonstrate technologies required for rendezvous, docking, and detachment of low-Earth orbit spacecraft. This capability will be critical for a variety of future missions, including human spaceflight and satellite servicing.
2. Support for future missions: Successful docking technology is critical for complex missions that require multiple rocket launches to achieve a common goal, such as the construction and operation of the Bharatiya Antriksh space station (India’s planned space station) and lunar missions such as Chandrayaan-4.
3. Autonomous Operations: This mission is designed to test autonomous docking capabilities, which will enhance operational flexibility in managing multiple spacecraft in orbit. This includes verifying power transfer between docked spacecraft, which is critical for future space robotic operations.
4. Payload operations: After docking, the mission will also test payload operations to demonstrate the capabilities of various experiments on both spacecraft after docking. This includes innovative technologies such as robotic arms designed for space applications.
5. Joining elite group: By successfully demonstrating these capabilities, India aims to join an elite group of countries such as the United States, Russia and China that have mastered space docking technology. This advancement has made ISRO a significant player in the global space community.
6. Enable complex missions: Space docking technology is critical for missions that require multiple spacecraft to work together. This includes assembling large structures in space, such as space stations or satellites, which often requires multiple launches and the ability to dock various modules in orbit.
7. Satellite repair and maintenance: Docking allows satellites to be repaired and refueled, extending their service life. This capability could reduce costs associated with launch alternatives and enhance the sustainability of satellite operations.
8. Supporting human spaceflight: For missions like India’s Gaganyaan, which aims to send humans into space, docking technology is critical for crew transfer between spacecraft and connection to the space station. It ensures safe and efficient operations during manned missions.
9. Interplanetary missions: Docking capabilities will be critical for future interplanetary missions, such as sample return missions from the Moon or Mars. They are capable of combining different spacecraft components for long-term travel beyond low Earth orbit.
10. Technological Advances and Global Standing: Mastery of docking technology places India among the few countries capable of such operations, thereby enhancing its reputation in the global space community. This advancement fosters international collaboration and provides opportunities for joint missions and research.

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Key Features and Technologies of SpaDeX Mission

The SpaDeX mission (Space Docking Experiment) is a ground-breaking initiative by ISRO to demonstrate space docking technology. Here are the key capabilities and technologies relevant to this task:

Key Features of the SpaDeX Mission

• Dual spacecraft setup: The mission involves two small spacecraft: SDX01 (Pursuer) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing approximately 220 kilograms. They are designed to operate in low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 470 kilometers, demonstrating advanced docking capabilities.
• Indigenous Docking System: Both spacecraft are equipped with the Bharatiya Docking System (BDS), which features the same, low-impact male and female docking mechanism. This design allows the spacecraft to act as a tracker or target, thereby enhancing operational flexibility.
• Advanced Navigation Technology: SpaDeX spacecraft uses a GNSS-based differential satellite positioning system (SPS) to provide precise position, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions. This system is critical for accurate relative positioning and velocity determination during docking operations.
• Rendezvous and docking algorithm: The mission uses complex rendezvous and docking algorithms, including V-bar strategy and various guidance algorithms, to autonomously manage the approach and docking process. These algorithms have been validated through extensive simulations.
• Power transfer capabilities: One of SpaDeX’s innovative features is the ability to demonstrate power transfer between docked spacecraft. This capability will be critical for future applications involving satellite servicing and space robotics.

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Technology used by SpaDeX

• Artificial Intelligence Integration: This mission incorporates artificial intelligence-driven algorithms to enhance autonomous operations during the rendezvous and docking process, enabling real-time decisions and adjustments based on sensor data.
• Powerful attitude control system: Each spacecraft is equipped with an attitude and orbit control system (AOCS), which includes various sensors (star sensors, sun sensors, magnetometers) and actuators (reaction wheels, thrusters). The system ensures stable control during mission-critical phases.
• Inter-satellite communications link: SpaDeX features an inter-satellite communications link that facilitates real-time data exchange between Chaser and Target spacecraft, improving coordination during docking operations.
• Extensive testing framework: Utilize multiple test benches for hardware and software validation prior to launch to ensure all systems function properly under expected operating conditions.
• Post-docking operations: Following successful docking and undocking events, the two spacecraft will be used in a variety of application missions to further test payload functionality and post-detachment operational capabilities.

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SpaDeX launch details and implications for Indian space program

The launch of the SpaDeX mission (Space Docking Experiment) on December 30, 2024 is an important milestone for India’s space programme. Here are the launch details and the significance of the mission:

Release details

• Launch Vehicle: The mission was carried out using the PSLV-C60 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), which is known for its reliability and versatility in deploying various payloads into space.
• Launch location: The spacecraft was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, India.
• Launch Time: Due to unknown reasons, the original time of 9:58 pm was rescheduled to 10 pm (US Standard Time) 16.
• Spacecraft specifications: The mission involves two identical small satellites, SDX01 (Pursuer) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing approximately 220 kilograms. They are sent into a circular orbit with an altitude of 470 kilometers.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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