Source: HINDU

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Context

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the much-anticipated PSLV-C60 mission.

This mission will test critical technologies poised to enhance interplanetary exploration and human spaceflight capabilities in the future.

Mission Overview

The PSLV-C60 mission carries two satellites, SDX01 (‘Chaser’) and SDX02 (‘Target’) weighing 220 kg each.

The satellites will rendezvous, dock and undock in a low earth orbit as part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX).

This mission serving as a precursor to India's future space station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station) and other exploratory endeavors underscores ISRO's intent to master in-orbit docking.

Additionally, the fourth stage of the PSLV-C60 called the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4) will host 24 payloads designed by ISRO, academia, and private companies, showcasing India’s collaborative space ecosystem.

Highlights of the PSLV-C60 Mission

Core Satellite Experiments (SpaDeX)

Satellites will start at 20 km apart and gradually close the gap to 3 m.

After docking, power transfer will be demonstrated before undocking.

Payloads and Capabilities

‘Chaser’: Equipped with a high-resolution camera.

‘Target’: Carries a multispectral payload and a radiation monitor.

POEM-4 Payloads

Walking Robotic Arm: Developed by IISU, mimicking an inchworm for target mobility.

Debris Capture Manipulator: Designed to capture space debris.

APEMS: Examining spinach cell growth in microgravity.

RVSat-1: Studying gut bacteria to understand astronaut health.

RUDRA 1.0 HPGP: Green propulsion with enhanced safety and performance.

VYOM 2U: A safer monopropellant alternative to hydrazine.

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Demonstrated by payloads like GLX-SQ and Varuna capable of high-resolution imaging and sea monitoring.

BGS ARPIT: Transmits data to amateur radio networks.

Swetchasat: Demonstrates UHF transmitter communication capabilities.

Key Milestones of 2024

PSLV-C59 Mission: Successfully launched ESA’s Proba-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit.

Gaganyaan Preparations: Assembly of HLVM-3 began for the first uncrewed mission marking a decade since the CARE module reentry test in December 2014.

Looking Ahead

Gaganyaan’s Uncrewed Missions: Stepping closer to human spaceflight.

First Indian in Space Since 1984: Shubanshu Shukla to fly aboard the Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station.

NASA-ISRO SAR Mission: A joint innovation enhancing global monitoring capabilities.

Sources:

HINDU