With the launch of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEx) on December 30, 2024, India will reach a major milestone in its space exploration endeavors. The PSLV-C60 rocket, which is slated to launch from Sriharikota at 9:58 PM IST, will be used for this mission by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
An important mission carried out by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEx), which aims to showcase cutting-edge methods for autonomous spacecraft rendezvous and docking. Two identical satellites, the Chaser (SDX01) and the Target (SDX02), each weighing about 220 kg, are involved in this mission, which is planned for late December 2024. They will fly at 470 km height and 55° inclination in a low-Earth orbit.
The mission will demonstrate the capacity to execute the precise maneuvers required for the two satellites to rendezvous and dock.
For upcoming missions that need in-space maintenance, it seeks to verify the electrical power transmission between the docked spacecraft.
Post-Docking Operations: Both spacecraft will continue to operate their respective payloads for up to two years after undocking.
The following attributes define the docking system used in SpaDEx:
In order to ensure minimal impact during docking, the approach velocity is set to be approximately 10 mm/s.
Because both spacecraft use the same docking technologies, operations are made simpler.
Peripheral Docking System: This design is compatible with other space missions because it resembles the International Docking System Standard.
An advanced set of sensors is essential to the SpaDEx mission:
This sensor measures both range and relative velocity over a range of 6000 to 200 meters.
Relative position data is provided by these sensors in the 250–10 m range.
The mission uses sophisticated algorithms to dock and rendezvous efficiently:
This tactic controls the chaser satellite’s approach trajectory towards the target by sending out several pulses.
In order to ensure precise alignment and approach, these algorithms are intended to maintain fixed intersatellite distances during the docking operation.
An important development in India’s technological and space exploration capabilities is the SpaDEx mission. ISRO is putting itself at the forefront of next space missions by proving autonomous docking procedures and understanding orbital alignment dynamics, includin
possible trips to the moon. In order to further human presence beyond Earth, more complicated space activities like in-orbit assembly and satellite servicing may become possible as a result of SpaDEx’s success.
Proximity and Docking Sensors (PDS): These sensors are essential for the final approach and docking stages and operate efficiently across a range of 30 to 0.4 meters.
