The SpaDeX mission is a low-cost technology demonstrator mission that uses two tiny spacecraft launched by PSLV to demonstrate in-space docking. India’s space aspirations, including the construction and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), Indian on the Moon, and sample return from the Moon, depend on this technology. In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology.
The development and demonstration of the technology required for the rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two tiny spacecraft (SDX01, the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit is the main goal of the SpaDeX mission. Secondary goals consist of:
