SPADEX

Last updated

Space Docking Experiment
Operator ISRO
Spacecraft properties
Bus IMS
Manufacturer ISRO
Start of mission
Launch datemid-December 2024
Rocket PSLV-XL C60
Launch site Satish Dhawan Space Centre
Contractor ISRO

SPADEX or Space Docking Experiment is a twin satellite mission being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) 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. [1]

Contents

SPADEX campaign would consist of two IMS class-2 class (400 kg) satellites, one would be Chaser and other being Target and both would be launched as co-passengers or auxiliary payloads. [2] [3] Both satellite would be injected into slightly different orbits. [4]

Space Docking Experiment is currently scheduled for launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard a dedicated Polar Satellite launch Vehicle by the middle of December 2024. [5]

Objectives

History

With preliminary studies done in 2016, [9] Space Docking Experiment was approved by the Government of India with an initial funding of ₹10 crore cleared in 2017. [10] In June 2019, ISRO was looking for proposals to study remote robotic arm operation, rendezvous and docking related technologies on its PSLV fourth stage (PS4) orbital platform. [11]

As of July 2022, Space Docking Experiment has been sanctioned ₹124.47 crore (equivalent to ₹132 croreorUS$16 million in 2023) in funding.

The launch of SPADEX is scheduled for mid-December 2024. [5] 'Chaser' and 'Target' are the names of the two 400 kilogram satellites that will engage in docking at an altitude of roughly 700 km. [12]

In less than three months, Ananth Technologies Limited finished the satellite assembly, integration, and testing for ISRO, delivering them to the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC). [13] As per S. Somanath, docking is a crucial component of Chandrayaan-4 and that ISRO intended SPADEX as a forerunner. Satellites for the SPADEX mission are being further tested as of October 2024. All the testing process will be finished by November 2024. Complete simulation demonstration will be performed on it. Before December 15, 2024, the launch will take place. Both the planned Bharatiya Antariksha Station and Gaganyaan space flights depend on the mission's success. [14]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 "Department of Space Annual Report 2018-19" (PDF). Department of Space. May 27, 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 27, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  2. ↑ "Department of Space Outcome Budget 2013–14" (PDF). Department of Space. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 5, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Dual-Lever Rigidisation Mechanism With A Self-Hold Down Feature For Autonomous Docking Of Spacecraft". September 9, 2022.
  4. ↑ Chacko, T.; B P, Dakshayani; Vighnesam, N.; Gopinath, N.S. (October 1, 2012). Relative state vector generation algorithm for on board navigation for rendezvous docking experiment. 63rd International Astronautical Congress. Vol. 7. pp. 5313–5316.
  5. 1 2 "Docking test likely before Dec 15; Gaganyaan G1: Vyomitra on 1 seat, ECLSS on 2nd, rocket gets new cryo stage". The Times of India. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  6. ↑ "Development of end effectors for spacecraft berthing and sample retrieval". www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in. Department of Science and Technology. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  7. ↑ "RESPOND Basket 2021" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 26, 2021.
  8. ↑ "Research Areas in Space 2021" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 15, 2022.
  9. ↑ Kumar, Chethan (May 2, 2017). "ISRO: Isro project that can aid refuel, repair of satellites in space gets push". The Times of India. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Detailed Demands for Grants of Department of Space for 2018–2019" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 22, 2018.
  11. ↑ "Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Orbital platform: An avenue for in-orbit scientific experiments" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. June 15, 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 2, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  12. ↑ Kanwar, Shimona (October 24, 2024). "Chaser eyes Target: Isro set for pioneering space docking trial". The Times of India. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  13. ↑ MP, Sidharth (October 18, 2024). "ISRO gears up for 'Space handshake' SPADEX; private firm delivers two satellites". WION. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  14. ↑ Kumar, Chethan (October 14, 2024). "Docking test likely before Dec 15; Gaganyaan G1: Vyomitra on 1 seat, ECLSS on 2nd, rocket gets new cryo stage". The Times of India. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved October 18, 2024.
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