ISRO announces second successful handshake between SpaDex satellites
ISRO has announced that the two SpaDex satellites have docked with each other in Earth orbit for the second time. ISRO intends to continue proximity operations with the two satellites. The demonstrated capabilities are required for the future Chandrayaan 4 sample return mission and the assembly of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
New Delhi: ISRO has announced that its Spade Docking Experiment (SpaDex) satellites have mated for the second time in Earth orbit. ISRO has indicated that further operations are planned for the next two weeks. Apart from docking, ISRO is also using the SpaceX Satellites to rehearse a number of proximity operations, including formation flying. Developing the capabilities for proximity operations allows ISRO to undertake more advanced missions with elements launched by multiple rockets, to plan missions with modules in tandem flight without a physical connection, service or refuel satellites in orbit, and recover space debris.
ISRO launched the twin SpaDex satellites, a chaser and a target with the PSLV-C60 mission on 30 December, 2024. The SpaDex satellites demonstrated the docking for the first time on 15 January. Thereafter the satellites remained mated till they separated on 13 March. Today, ISRO announced that the pair of satellites have docked again, and that the proximity operations are expected to continue over a period of two weeks. The satellites have to be positioned favourably in relation to the Sun for the solar panels on the satellites to generate enough power for the docking operations. ISRO is also commanding one satellite with the other when the pair of satellites are attached to each other.
Why India needs docking capabilities
The Chandrayaan 4 mission is an ambitious attempt to return samples from the Moon to the Earth. This requires a complex mission with five modules launched on board a pair of Soorya rockets. The mission requires a docking in Earth orbit, as well as a docking in lunar orbit. ISRO also plans to assemble its Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035. The construction of the orbital complex requires the docking of multiple modules. Crew and cargo missions will also have to dock and undock roughly about once every six months. ISRO also plans to include free-flying elements for its Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
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