ISRO Successfully Undocks SpaDeX Satellites in First Attempt

ISRO Successfully Undocks SpaDeX Satellites in First Attempt

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully undocked two satellites under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission in its first attempt. This marks another major milestone after the successful docking operation in January 2024, making India the fourth country to achieve this feat after the U.S., Russia, and China.

About SPADEX:

• 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 ‘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.