India is set to achieve a major milestone in space technology with the SpaDex mission scheduled for December 30, 2024. This mission, led by ISRO, will position the country among the select few capable of docking spacecraft in orbit, a feat currently mastered by the United States, Russia, and China. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex) will deploy two spacecraft, the Chaser (SDX01) and the Target (SDX02), into a low-Earth orbit approximately 470 kilometers above Earth. These spacecraft, launched aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, will demonstrate precise docking and undocking procedures under ISRO’s mission control in Bengaluru.
The primary goals of SpaDex include showcasing the capability for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking, along with demonstrating power transfer between docked spacecraft. This mission is pivotal for India’s ambitions to establish a space station and develop docking technology for its reusable launch vehicles.
Beyond docking, SpaDex also focuses on microgravity experiments using POEM-4, the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket. This platform will host 24 payloads, enabling extended research opportunities for academia, startups, and ISRO. One such payload involves a robotic arm designed for tethered debris capture, a crucial step toward constructing India’s space station.
The significance of docking technology was famously illustrated in the sci-fi film Interstellar, where a single error nearly led to disaster during a docking sequence. Similarly, ISRO’s Chaser and Target spacecraft will perform intricate maneuvers to ensure a flawless connection.
SpaDex not only represents India’s progress in space exploration but also aligns with global advancements in space docking technology. As the mission approaches, it signals a promising leap forward for India in its journey to join the elite space nations.
