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Watch India launch 2 satellites on a space docking test flight on Dec. 30


An Indian Space Research Organisation PSLV rocket carrying the SpaDeX space docking satellite mission is prepared for launch. (Image credit: ISRO)

India is set to close 2024 with a groundbreaking launch, showcasing its prowess in space exploration. On Monday, December 30, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will embark on a mission that paves the way for future lunar expeditions and space station construction.


The SpaDeX Mission: What’s on the Agenda?


The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) involves launching two satellites, dubbed the Target and the Chaser, aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Scheduled for 11:30 a.m. EST (10 p.m. IST), the mission will test autonomous docking technology in orbit, a critical capability for ISRO’s ambitious future projects.


You can witness this historic moment live on ISRO’s YouTube channel starting at 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT).


Why Space Docking Matters


Docking technology is a cornerstone for several future ISRO missions, including:


  • Chandrayaan-4: A lunar sample return mission from the Moon's south pole.

  • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): India’s planned space station.

  • Advanced Human Spaceflight: Supporting the Gaganyaan program and beyond.


This technology allows for seamless spacecraft assembly, efficient payload transfers, and multi-mission objectives that require docking capabilities in orbit or beyond.


The Spacecraft: Target and Chaser


The two SpaDeX spacecraft, each weighing 485 pounds (220 kilograms), will perform intricate rendezvous and docking operations. Beginning at a distance of over 12 miles (20 km), the Chaser will gradually approach the Target to execute a precise docking maneuver. Once docked, the satellites will demonstrate power transfer and other integrated systems before separating to commence independent operations.


Secondary Payloads: Innovation in Action


The mission includes a secondary payload module featuring 24 experiments, showcasing India’s advancements in space technology. Highlights include:


  • Walking Robotic Arm: A novel robotic arm inspired by the CanadArm2 on the ISS, capable of inchworm-like movements.

  • Debris Capture Manipulator: Designed to tackle space junk by capturing tethered debris in orbit.

  • PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4): A platform for extended microgravity experiments lasting up to three months.


Fourteen experiments were developed by ISRO, with the rest contributed by universities and commercial startups, reflecting collaboration across sectors.


Setting the Stage for Lunar Exploration


The SpaDeX mission is critical for ISRO’s Chandrayaan-4 mission, where docking technology will enable lunar sample transfers to Earth-bound return capsules. It also prepares India for assembling and operating a space station, ensuring the agency’s readiness for complex human and robotic missions.


A Promising Future


With SpaDeX, ISRO is closing 2024 on a high note, emphasizing its commitment to advancing space technology and inspiring a new era of exploration. The results of this mission will ripple across upcoming ventures, solidifying India’s position as a leading spacefaring nation.


Stay tuned for this monumental launch as India takes another step towards the stars!


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