India’s PSLV-C60 Mission: A Milestone in Space Technology

India’s PSLV-C60 Mission: A Milestone in Space Technology

Sub :Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to conclude 2024 with a groundbreaking mission, PSLV-C60, scheduled for launch on December 30, 2024. This mission will test key technologies for interplanetary missions and human spaceflight, marking a significant step forward in India’s space exploration ambitions.

About PSLV-C60 Mission:

• SPADEX or Space Docking Experiment is a twin spacecraft mission being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation to mature technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, formation flying, with scope of applications in human spaceflight, in-space satellite servicing and other proximity operations
• The SPADEX mission involves a spacecraft with two components – Chaser and Target. 
• SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing 220 kg, will demonstrate in-orbit docking and undocking capabilities.
• These satellites will rendezvous in low Earth orbit and perform intricate manoeuvres to dock and undock, showcasing advanced space docking technology.
• The fourth stage of the PSLV-C60, called the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4), will carry over 20 payloads developed by ISRO, academic institutions, and private companies.
• The satellites will be placed in a 470-km circular orbit with a 55° inclination.
• The ‘Chaser’ and ‘Target’ will initially maintain a 10-20 km separation, eventually reducing it to 3 meters for docking. Post-docking, the mission will demonstrate power transfer and undocking procedures.
• ‘Chaser’ carries a high-resolution camera.
• ‘Target’ is equipped with a miniature multispectral payload and a radiation monitor.
• The mission is a precursor to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and Chandrayaan-4, laying the foundation for advanced in-orbit operations.
• Payloads on POEM-4:
  • Relocatable Robotic Manipulator: Demonstrates a robotic arm using an inchworm walking technique, a key innovation for space operations.
• Biological Experiments:
  • Growth of cowpea seeds and spinach cells in microgravity to study plant physiology.
  • Measurement of gut bacterium growth to enhance understanding of astronaut health.
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Payloads like GLX-SQ and Varuna aim to demonstrate high-resolution imaging technologies for earth monitoring.

Green Propulsion Technologies:

• RUDRA 1.0 HPGP: A green propulsion system by Bellatrix Aerospace with a thrust of 1 N.
• VYOM 2U: A safer, high-performance alternative to hydrazine, developed by Manastu Space.

Gaganyaan Developments:

• December 18, 2024, marked the official assembly of the human-rated LVM-3 (HLVM-3) for its first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, highlighting progress in India’s human spaceflight program.
• Earlier milestones, such as the 2014 Crew-module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE), laid the groundwork for this ambitious program.