ISRO successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on December 30, 2024, using PSLV-C60 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
The mission carried two small satellites – SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) (~220 kg each), along with 24 POEM-4 payloads.
Key Highlights
Objective:
Demonstrate spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking technologies.
Mastered so far by only an elite group of spacefaring nations (e.g., USA, Russia, China).
Docking Process:
Satellites placed in 475 km circular orbit.
Gradual approach with progressive distance reduction (20 km → 5 km → 1.5 km → 500 m → 225 m → 15 m → 3 m → docking).
Expected docking window: January 7–10, 2025.
Applications:
Future human spaceflight missions (e.g., lunar missions, Gaganyaan extensions).
Sample return missions from Moon/Mars.
Indian Space Station development.
In-orbit servicing & refueling.
Significance
Strategic: Strengthens India’s status among advanced space powers.
Technological: Establishes India’s capability in autonomous docking, critical for long-duration missions.
Economic: Opens scope for in-orbit servicing markets & collaboration with global agencies.
Institutional Support: Demonstrates synergy between ISRO, IN-SPACe, NSIL, and private payload developers onboard POEM.
Exam Relevance
GS-3 (Science & Tech): Space technology, indigenous innovation, future missions.
Prelims Pointers:
SpaDeX = Space Docking Experiment
PSLV-C60 → carried SpaDeX + 24 POEM-4 payloads
First Indian attempt at orbital docking demonstration
