Daily Current Affairs : 13-January-2025
India’s space agency, ISRO, is showcasing its first space docking mission, named SpaDeX. The primary aim of this mission is to demonstrate the docking of two small satellites in orbit. This achievement is an important milestone in ISRO’s plans for future space exploration.
What is Space Docking?
Space docking is the process of bringing two spacecraft together in space and connecting them. This technology is essential for various space missions, particularly those involving large spacecraft or space stations. Docking allows spacecraft to join forces, transfer supplies, crew, and equipment, and supports operations of space stations.
Key uses of docking technology include:
- Setting up space stations
- Sending crew and supplies
- Supporting future missions to the Moon and space stations
Historical Milestones in Space Docking
The history of space docking dates back several decades, with several countries achieving important milestones:
- 1966: The United States achieved its first successful docking with the Gemini VIII mission, which included astronaut Neil Armstrong.
- 1967: The Soviet Union conducted an automated docking with the Kosmos 186 and 188 spacecraft.
- 2011: China’s Shenzhou 8 spacecraft docked with the Tiangong 1 space laboratory, followed by a crewed docking in 2012.
Why Docking is Important for India
India is making strides in space exploration and has set ambitious goals, including the development of a space station by 2035 and lunar missions by 2040. Docking technology is essential for these plans. The SpaDeX mission will play a significant role in India’s space goals, including:
- Lunar missions, such as Chandrayaan-4, which will use docking to transport samples from the Moon.
- Building the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s proposed space station.
- India’s space ambitions, positioning the country to join the ranks of the US, Russia, and China with advanced docking capabilities.
Challenges in Space Docking
The docking process requires extreme precision. Even small errors in alignment, speed, or timing can cause failure. To ensure success, ISRO has postponed its docking attempts twice to refine the necessary sensor calibrations and algorithms.
The Future of Space Docking
Docking technology is critical for the future of space missions. Some key benefits include:
- Transporting supplies to manned space stations
- Refueling spacecraft in orbit
- Enabling missions with multiple rocket launches to achieve shared goals
The ability to perform autonomous docking will allow spacecraft to dock without relying on satellite-based navigation data. This could pave the way for fully autonomous space missions in the future.
Important Points:
- ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission: India’s first space docking mission to demonstrate docking of two small satellites in space.
- Space Docking: The process of bringing two spacecraft together in orbit, essential for missions involving large spacecraft or space stations.
- Key Uses of Docking:
- Setting up space stations
- Sending crew and supplies
- Supporting future lunar missions
- Historical Milestones in Docking:
- 1966: USA’s Gemini VIII mission with Neil Armstrong was the first to dock with an Agena target vehicle.
- 1967: Soviet Union’s Kosmos 186 and 188 achieved automated docking.
- 2011: China’s Shenzhou 8 docked with Tiangong 1 space lab.
- Importance for India:
- India aims to develop a space station by 2035 and conduct lunar missions by 2040.
- SpaDeX supports India’s lunar missions and the creation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
- Chandrayaan-4 will use docking for sample transport from the Moon.
- Docking Challenges: Requires precise maneuvers; small errors in speed, alignment, or timing can lead to failure.
- ISRO has postponed docking attempts twice to improve sensor calibrations and algorithms.
- Future Vision of Docking:
- Essential for ferrying supplies to manned space stations and refueling spacecraft.
- Enables missions requiring multiple rocket launches to achieve shared goals.
- Paves the way for autonomous space missions with spacecraft docking without satellite-based navigation data.
Why In News
ISRO is demonstrating its first space docking mission, SpaDeX, which aims to successfully bring two small satellites together and dock them in space, marking a significant advancement in India’s space capabilities and paving the way for future complex space missions.
MCQs about ISRO’s Space Docking Mission (SpaDeX)
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What is the primary goal of ISRO’s SpaDeX mission?
A. To send astronauts to the Moon
B. To demonstrate the docking of two small satellites in space
C. To build a space station
D. To send supplies to the International Space Station
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Which country was the first to achieve automated docking in space?
A. United States
B. Soviet Union
C. China
D. India
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Why is docking technology important for India’s future space missions?
A. It will help India communicate with other countries
B. It is crucial for sending astronauts to Mars
C. It supports the development of a space station and lunar missions
D. It is used to explore the Sun
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What is one of the main challenges in the docking process?
A. Finding fuel for spacecraft
B. The need for precise maneuvers and sensor calibrations
C. Sending astronauts to Mars
D. Building space stations
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