ISRO's SPADEX mission: India prepares for a game-changing space docking manoeuvre
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Mission Countdown
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.
Docking Demo
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.
PSLV Launch
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.
Critical Technology
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.
Future Vision
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.
Chandrayaan Link
Docking technology tested in SPADEX is pivotal for Chandrayaan-4, where the integration of spacecraft modules in orbit will be crucial for mission success.
Integration Phase
SPADEX satellites are undergoing integration and simulations. Once completed, these systems will be rigorously tested to ensure seamless performance in orbit.
Low Orbit Test
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
Global Leap
With SPADEX, India joins the elite group of space-faring nations capable of mastering orbital docking, solidifying its place in advanced space technology.