Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)
Summary
*Source: TH* **Context: **India achieved a significant milestone in space technology with the successful execution of ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on January 16, 2025. **About ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX):** • **What it is:** SpaDeX is a mission to demonstrate satellite docking technology, a critical capability for advanced space missions like space station operations, interplanetary missions, and satellite servicing. • **Mission under:** The experiment was part of ISR
Exam Brief
GS-3ISRO successfully conducted the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on January 16, 2025. This demonstrates a critical technology for future space missions and station operations.
Key Facts
- SpaDeX was executed on January 16, 2025.
- SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) satellites were used.
- Each satellite weighed 220 kg.
- Mission life is expected to be two years.
- PSLV C60 mission was used for the launch.
Prelims — What UPSC Might Ask
- What is the primary objective of the SpaDeX mission?
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Source Article Content
Source: TH
**Context: **India achieved a significant milestone in space technology with the successful execution of ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on January 16, 2025.
About ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX):
• What it is: SpaDeX is a mission to demonstrate satellite docking technology, a critical capability for advanced space missions like space station operations, interplanetary missions, and satellite servicing. • Mission under: The experiment was part of ISRO’s broader strategy to develop Next-Generation Space Technologies and was launched under the PSLV C60 mission. • Aim: Demonstrate docking and undocking of two satellites in orbit. Enable transfer of power and control between docked satellites. Support future human spaceflight missions, moon landings, and space station assembly. • Demonstrate docking and undocking of two satellites in orbit. • Enable transfer of power and control between docked satellites. • Support future human spaceflight missions, moon landings, and space station assembly. • Features: Satellites involved: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing 220 kg. Rigidization post-docking for stability. Transfer of electric power between docked satellites to ensure operational readiness. Expected mission life: Two years. • Satellites involved: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing 220 kg. • Rigidization post-docking for stability. • Transfer of electric power between docked satellites to ensure operational readiness. • Expected mission life: Two years. • How it is done: Satellites maneuvered from 15m to a 3m hold point for precision docking. Automated docking using sensors, alignment systems, and thrusters. Post-docking operations include power checks and payload activation. • Satellites maneuvered from 15m to a 3m hold point for precision docking. • Automated docking using sensors, alignment systems, and thrusters. • Post-docking operations include power checks and payload activation. • Nations that achieved the feat: United States: First achieved in the Gemini program in 1966. Russia: Demonstrated docking during the Soyuz missions. China: Successfully docked modules for the Tiangong space station. India: 4th nation to achieved this milestone in 2025 with SpaDeX. • United States: First achieved in the Gemini program in 1966. • Russia: Demonstrated docking during the Soyuz missions. • China: Successfully docked modules for the Tiangong space station. • India: 4th nation to achieved this milestone in 2025 with SpaDeX. Insta links:
• SpaDex-mission