The "Space Docking Experiment" (SpaDeX) mission will use the PSLV-C60 rocket, which will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on Monday
The SpaDeX mission consists of two small spacecraft (about 220 kg each) to be launched by PSLV-C6
The additional sensor suite in this mission includes Laser Range Finder (LRF) and Corner Cube Retro Reflectors to work for a range of 6000 to 200 m for determining range (R)
As per the ISRO, the primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit
Like all ISRO satellites in low-Earth orbit, both the SpaDeX spacecraft carry a differential GNSS-based Satellite Positioning System (SPS), which provides PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) solutions for the satellites
After the docking and undocking events, the spacecraft will be separated and used for application missions
The SpaDeX spacecraft was designed and realized by the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) with the support of other ISRO centres (VSSC, LPSC, SAC, IISU, and LEOS)
The spacecraft, in its orbital phase, will be controlled from ISTRAC using ISRO ground stations and other externally hired ground stations
Presently, after completing all tests and clearances, the spacecraft has moved from URSC to SDSC and is undergoing preparations for launch
SpaDeX is a pioneering mission to establish India's capability in orbital docking, a key technology for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing missions
ADVERTISEMENT
