ISRO successfully completed the undocking of its groundbreaking SpaDex mission, demonstrating autonomous satellite docking using the indigenous Bharatiya Docking System. Launched on December 30, 2024, the two 220-kg satellites achieved meeting, docking, and power transfer, paving the way for future missions like Chandrayaan‑4, Gaganyaan, and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed the undocking of its Space Docking Experiment, known as SpaDex.
It is a Space Docking Experiment launched on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
It aims to demonstrate India's capability in autonomous satellite docking and undocking.
The mission involves two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing approximately 220 kilograms.
The primary objectives are to develop technology for meeting and docking, indicate controllability in docked conditions, extend the life of target spacecraft, and test power transfer between docked spacecraft.
This makes India the fourth country (following the United States, Russia, and China) in the world to successfully demonstrate both docking and undocking technology in space.
The technology is crucial for future missions such as Chandrayaan-4, the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, and the development of India's planned space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
The mission included several indigenous technologies, including the Bharatiya Docking System, a suite of four docking sensors, power transfer technology, and an inter-satellite communication link (ISL) for autonomous communication between spacecraft.
The docking mechanism was designed to be simple, with only two motors, compared to the International Space Station's docking system, which has 24.
ISRO plans to utilize this technology in its upcoming missions, including Chandrayaan-4, scheduled for 2027, and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, to launch in 2028.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: D Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The GRAMSAT program was launched by ISRO with the specific aim of utilizing satellite technology to deliver educational content, healthcare services, and support rural development initiatives in remote areas of India. Statement 2 is correct: The Cartosat series is renowned for its high-resolution panchromatic (single-band, black and white) imagery. This data is essential for creating detailed maps, urban and infrastructure planning, and various cartographic purposes. Statement 3 is correct: Aditya-L1 is India's first dedicated mission to study the Sun. It has been placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange Point L1, which offers an unobstructed view of the Sun. |
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