About SpaDeX Mission
- The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) is a groundbreaking mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at developing autonomous space docking technology.
- The mission involves PSLV-C60 as the launch vehicle to demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft: Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02).
- This technology is a critical milestone for future lunar missions, the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and other advanced space endeavours.
Mission Overview
- Launch vehicle: PSLV-C60.
- Orbit: 470 km circular orbit at a 55-degree inclination.
- Separation dynamics:
- Target and Chaser spacecraft will separate with an initial velocity difference to achieve 10-20 km inter-satellite separation.
- Propulsion systems will be used to align both spacecraft into the same orbit, achieving Far Rendezvous.
- Docking and demonstration: After docking, the mission will demonstrate electrical power transfer before undocking for payload operations.
What is POEM?
- PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM):
- Developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
- Repurposes the fourth stage of PSLV into an orbital station for scientific experiments.
- First used in the PSLV-C53 mission (2022) to minimize space debris.
- Equipped with a Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) system for attitude stabilization
Historical Context
- The concept of space docking was first achieved by the Soviet Union in 1967 with the docking of Kosmos 186 and Kosmos 188.
- SpaDeX positions India as a potential fourth country globally to master space docking technology.
Q1: What is PSLV?
PSLV, or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is India’s third-generation launch vehicle developed by ISRO. It is designed to launch satellites into polar orbits and is renowned for its versatility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in launching a variety of payloads, including remote sensing, communication, and navigation satellites.
News: TH
Last updated on Dec 26, 2024
→ UPSC Civil Services 2024 Interview Schedule has been released on 21st December 2024. As per the schedule, the UPSC CSE interviews will be held from January 7 to April 17, 2025.
→ The UPSC Civil Services Notification 2024 was released for 1056 vacancies.
→ Candidates who have completed graduation are eligible for the exam.
→ The candidates are required to go through a 3 stage selection process - Prelims, Main and Interview.
→ Go through the UPSC Previous Year Papers and UPSC Civil Services Test Series to enhance your preparation.
Tags: Prelims Pointers space docking experiment upsc current affairs upsc prelims current affairs
