Spadex launch tonight: India aims to become 4th nation to master space docking

India is set to launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on December 30, 2024, marking a crucial milestone in its space capabilities.
The mission will make India the 4th nation (after Russia, USA, China) to master space docking technology.

Launch Vehicle: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Satellites: Two specially designed spacecraft (~220 kg each), named Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02).
Objective: Demonstrate rendezvous, docking, and undocking at ~470 km altitude.
Docking System: Indigenous Bharatiya Docking System (BDS), compliant with international docking standards.
Additional Component: PSLV’s 4th stage (POEM-4) will host 24 scientific experiments.

Strategic Advancement
- Critical for Gaganyaan (human spaceflight) programme.
- Enables Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return.
- Foundational step for Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) – India’s planned space station.
Global Positioning
- India to join Russia, USA, and China in mastering space docking.
- Strengthens India’s role in satellite servicing, on-orbit refuelling, and deep space missions.
Scientific Value
- Demonstrates formation flying and complex orbital maneuvers.
- Offers new avenues for satellite servicing & space infrastructure.

Essential for long-duration human spaceflight.
Key for space station assembly and maintenance.
Enables sample-return missions and in-space construction.

UPDATED: Dec 30, 2024 3:56 PM | India Today