Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
ISRO is set to launch its ambitious SPADEX mission on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Center, marking a crucial step toward India's space station and Chandrayaan-4 success.
The SPADEX mission will showcase docking technology, where two spacecraft in space will autonomously locate and connect with each other, a critical skill for future space station assembly.
The mission will use the PSLV-C60 rocket from the first launch pad, as the second pad is being readied for the Gaganyaan-G1 mission set to launch soon.
Docking, a key feature of SPADEX, involves uniting separate spacecraft in orbit, an essential technique for building India's first space station and enhancing future lunar missions.
SPADEX will serve as the foundation for ISRO’s space station, enabling India to establish a permanent presence in low Earth orbit and advance space exploration capabilities.
Docking technology tested in SPADEX is pivotal for Chandrayaan-4, where the integration of spacecraft modules in orbit will be crucial for mission success.
SPADEX satellites are undergoing integration and simulations. Once completed, these systems will be rigorously tested to ensure seamless performance in orbit.
The mission will conduct docking in Earth’s lower orbit, demonstrating the ability of spacecraft to autonomously find, approach, and join together—a key milestone for ISRO.
Representative pic
With SPADEX, India joins the elite group of space-faring nations capable of mastering orbital docking, solidifying its place in advanced space technology.