SpaDeX Mission:
ISRO is preparing to launch a record 24 scientific experiments on board the POEM satellite under the Spadex Mission.
- The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) is a groundbreaking mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at developing autonomous space docking technology.
- The mission involves PSLV-C60 as the launch vehicle to demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft: Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02).
- This technology is a critical milestone for future lunar missions, the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and other advanced space endeavours.
- Launch vehicle: PSLV-C60.
- Orbit: 470 km circular orbit at a 55-degree inclination.
- Target and Chaser spacecraft will separate with an initial velocity difference to achieve 10-20 km inter-satellite separation.
- Propulsion systems will be used to align both spacecraft into the same orbit, achieving Far Rendezvous.
- After docking, the mission will demonstrate electrical power transfer before undocking for payload operations.