SpaDeX mission: ISRO to attempt satellite separation, re-docking in March
What's the story
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced that it will resume its SpaDeX mission experiments on March 15. The tests will focus on the separation and re-docking of two satellites, Chaser and Target, as ISRO attempts to refine technologies for its future projects. The details were revealed by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan during the National Science Day celebrations.
Mission progress
Successful docking and future plans
The SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30, 2022, with the launch of two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02. The mission's main goal is to demonstrate space docking technology. After multiple attempts, ISRO docked the satellites successfully on January 16. Narayanan said that "currently, the unified satellite is in an elliptical orbit," giving a 10 to 15-day window of opportunity every two months to conduct various experiments.
Experiment preparation
ISRO's preparation for upcoming experiments
ISRO is now carrying out simulation experiments for the satellites' separation and re-docking. The chairman confirmed a plan has been devised and actual experiments will start from March 15. He also revealed multiple experiments are planned, owing to an abundance of propellant onboard, with more tests scheduled for the third slot available after two months.
Future impact
SpaDeX mission's significance for future ISRO projects
The SpaDeX mission is seen as a precursor to a number of future ISRO projects. These include Chandrayaan-4 and the construction of the Bharat Antariksha Station, both of which would require advanced docking technologies. Narayanan stressed how important this mission would be in paving the way for these ambitious endeavors.