SPADEX: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NEWS: Isro undocks SpaDeX satellites 2 months after docking them in space
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully undocked two satellites under the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission, demonstrating advanced space docking technology. This milestone supports India's future space operations, including human spaceflight and satellite servicing.
SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment):
• Objective: The Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission is designed to mature key technologies for orbital rendezvous, docking, and formation flying. It is crucial for the development of applications in human spaceflight, in-space satellite servicing, and proximity operations in low Earth orbit (LEO).
• Mission Components: The SPADEX mission involves two spacecraft:
1. Chaser (SDX01): The primary vehicle that conducts the docking and undocking operations.
2. Target (SDX02): The secondary vehicle designed for docking by the Chaser. Both spacecraft weigh 220 kg each and are designed to demonstrate in-orbit docking and undocking capabilities.
• Mission Sequence:
• The Chaser and Target spacecraft will rendezvous in low Earth orbit (LEO) to perform docking and undocking operations.
• Initially, the spacecraft will maintain a separation of 10-20 km.
• They will eventually reduce this distance to just 3 meters, where docking will occur. After the docking phase, the mission will showcase power transfer and undocking procedures.
• Technological Features:
• Chaser: Equipped with a high-resolution camera to facilitate precise docking.
• Target: Integrated with a miniature multispectral payload and a radiation monitor to gather data during the mission.
• The mission aims to demonstrate advanced space docking technology that can be applied in future space operations.
• Power Transfer and Undocking: After the docking phase, SPADEX will demonstrate power transfer between the spacecraft and the undocking procedure, marking significant advancements in space mission operations.
• Mission's Relevance:
• Human Spaceflight: SPADEX technologies are pivotal in supporting the development of India's human spaceflight program.
• Space Operations: The success of SPADEX will lay the foundation for advanced in-orbit operations such as satellite servicing and the operation of space stations.
• Future Implications:
• The SPADEX mission is a precursor to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India's proposed space station, and Chandrayaan-4, a future mission to the Moon.
• The docking technology demonstrated through SPADEX will play a vital role in these ambitious missions.
Payloads on POEM-4 (Payload Orbital Experiment Module-4):
• Relocatable Robotic Manipulator:
• The robotic arm uses an "inchworm walking technique," a unique innovation for performing space operations like satellite servicing and assembly in orbit.
• This technology is essential for developing systems that can handle delicate tasks in space.
• Biological Experiments:
1. Cowpea Seeds Growth in Microgravity: Studies the effects of microgravity on plant physiology by growing cowpea seeds.
2. Spinach Cells Growth in Microgravity: Investigates the growth and development of spinach cells in space conditions, contributing to understanding plant growth in space environments.
3. Gut Bacterium Growth Study: Measures the growth of gut bacteria in microgravity, which is crucial for astronaut health during long-duration space missions.
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR):
• GLX-SQ and Varuna Payloads: These payloads aim to demonstrate high-resolution imaging technologies designed for Earth monitoring.
• SAR technology has applications in monitoring changes on Earth’s surface, including climate change, deforestation, and urban growth.
The combined capabilities of SPADEX and the POEM-4 payloads reflect India’s growing expertise in space technology, which is critical for future space exploration and satellite servicing operations.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/isro-undocks-spadex-satellites-2-months-after-docking-them-in-space-9884658/