New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh, announced that ISRO’s final mission for 2024, scheduled for 30 December, aims to achieve the rare feat of docking two satellites in space. The project, named the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), represents a historic milestone in Indian space technology.

The mission, set to launch aboard PSLV-C60 from Sriharikota at 21:58 IST, will deploy two identical satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, each weighing approximately 220 kilograms. Orbiting at an altitude of 470 km, the satellites will demonstrate precision docking and undocking manoeuvres using indigenous technology, the Bharatiya Docking System.

Jitendra Singh explained that the success of SpaDeX is crucial for India’s long-term space ambitions, including the development of its space station, Bharatiya Antriksh Station, and advanced missions like Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan. Docking technology is essential for satellite servicing, interplanetary missions, and human spaceflight, placing India in an elite group alongside the United States, Russia, and China.

In the near vacuum of space, ISRO will attempt to dock two satellites orbiting at 28,800 km/h, reducing their relative velocities to just 0.036 km/h for a successful merge. The satellites, designated as Chaser and Target, will unite to form a single operational unit, showcasing India’s capabilities in spacecraft docking technology.

This mission also highlights PSLV’s innovative design, with its fourth stage, POEM-4, being used for additional experiments. The stage will carry 24 payloads from academic institutions and startups to utilise the microgravity environment in orbit.

SpaDeX, with its groundbreaking objectives, marks a critical step forward in India’s journey towards greater achievements in space exploration, innovation, and satellite servicing capabilities.

BI Bureau