ISRO’s Successful Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX): What You Should Know

Daily Current Affairs : 17-January-2025

India recently achieved a remarkable achievement in space exploration with the successful execution of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) by ISRO on January 16, 2025. This event marks India as the fourth country to successfully demonstrate satellite docking technology. Let’s take a closer look at this breakthrough mission.

What is SpaDeX?

SpaDeX is a critical mission by ISRO aimed at demonstrating satellite docking technology, which is an essential skill for various advanced space missions. Docking technology is needed for operations such as assembling space stations, conducting interplanetary missions, and servicing satellites in orbit.

The Mission’s Objective

The primary objective of SpaDeX was to showcase the docking and undocking of two satellites while they were in orbit. This technology is vital for future human spaceflight missions, moon landings, and even space station construction. The key goals were:

• Docking and undocking satellites in space.
• Transferring power and control between docked satellites.
• Supporting future missions to the Moon and beyond.

Key Features of the SpaDeX Mission

SpaDeX involved two satellites:

• SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing 220 kg.
• The satellites were equipped with the necessary technology for rigidization post-docking, ensuring stability.
• A significant feature of the mission was the transfer of electric power between the docked satellites, which would keep them operational.

The expected mission life is two years, providing a good time frame to test and refine this technology for future space endeavors.

How Was It Done?

• The satellites were maneuvered from a 15-meter distance to a 3-meter holding point to achieve precise docking.
• Automated docking was achieved using a combination of sensors, alignment systems, and thrusters.
• After docking, the operation included power checks and payload activation to confirm successful integration.

India Joins the Elite Club

India has now joined an elite group of nations that have successfully demonstrated satellite docking technology. This accomplishment puts India alongside:

• United States: Achieved this feat during the Gemini program in 1966.
• Russia: Demonstrated docking in the Soyuz missions.
• China: Successfully docked modules for its Tiangong space station.
• India: The fourth nation to achieve this milestone with SpaDeX in 2025.

Important Points:

• ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission successfully demonstrated satellite docking technology on January 16, 2025.
• Objective: Showcased docking and undocking of satellites, power transfer, and control management between docked satellites.
• Satellites Involved:
  • SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing 220 kg.
  • Rigidization for stability post-docking and power transfer between satellites.
• Docking Process:
  • Satellites maneuvered from 15 meters to a 3-meter hold point for precise docking.
  • Automated docking achieved using sensors, alignment systems, and thrusters.
• Mission Life: Expected to last two years, allowing for extensive testing of the technology.
• Global Achievement: India became the fourth nation to achieve this feat, following:
  • United States (Gemini program, 1966),
  • Russia (Soyuz missions),
  • China (Tiangong space station modules).
• Future Impact: Supports future space missions like human spaceflight, moon landings, and space station assembly.

Why In News

India achieved a significant milestone in space technology with the successful execution of ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on January 16, 2025, marking the country’s entry into an elite group of nations capable of satellite docking, and positioning India for future advancements in space exploration.

MCQs about ISRO’s Successful Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)

1. What was the primary objective of ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)?
   A. To demonstrate the launch of satellites into orbit
   B. To showcase the docking and undocking of satellites in orbit
   C. To test satellite communication systems
   D. To land a satellite on the moon
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: B. To showcase the docking and undocking of satellites in orbit
   Explanation: The primary objective of SpaDeX was to demonstrate the docking and undocking of two satellites in orbit, which is crucial for advanced space missions like space station operations and satellite servicing.
   
2. Which two satellites were involved in the SpaDeX mission?
   A. SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX03 (Target)
   B. SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)
   C. SDX02 (Chaser) and SDX01 (Target)
   D. SDX01 (Tracker) and SDX02 (Mover)
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: B. SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)
   Explanation: The SpaDeX mission involved two satellites: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), both weighing 220 kg each.
   
3. How did the satellites dock during the SpaDeX mission?
   A. Manual docking using astronauts
   B. Docking using sensors, alignment systems, and thrusters
   C. Using a robotic arm for docking
   D. Satellites docked by physical connection cables
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: B. Docking using sensors, alignment systems, and thrusters
   Explanation: The docking was achieved automatically using sensors, alignment systems, and thrusters, ensuring precise and stable docking in orbit.
   
4. Which of the following nations was the first to achieve satellite docking technology?
   A. Russia
   B. United States
   C. China
   D. India
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: B. United States
   Explanation: The United States was the first country to achieve satellite docking technology during its Gemini program in 1966. India became the fourth nation to achieve this milestone with the successful SpaDeX mission.
   

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