SPADEX or Space Docking Experiment is a twin spacecraft mission being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to mature technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, formation flying, with scope of applications in human spaceflight, in-space satellite servicing and other proximity operations.[1]
| Operator | ISRO |
|---|---|
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Bus | IMS |
| Manufacturer | ISRO |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | December 15, 2024 |
| Rocket | PSLV C63 |
| Launch site | Satish Dhawan Space Centre |
| Contractor | ISRO |
SPADEX campaign would consist of two IMS class-2 class (200 kg) satellites, one would be Chaser and other being Target and both would be launched as co-passengers or auxiliary payloads.[2][3] Both spacecraft would be injected into slightly different orbits.[4]
Space Docking Experiment is currently scheduled for launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard a dedicated Polar Satellite launch Vehicle by the middle of December 2024.[5]
Objectives
edit- Autonomous rendezvous and docking
- Controlling one spacecraft with Attitude Control System of other spacecraft while in docked configuration.[1]
- Formation flying
- Remote robotic arm operations[6][7][8][needs update]
History
editWith preliminary studies done in 2016,[9] Space Docking Experiment was approved by the Government of India with an initial funding of ₹10 crore cleared in 2017.[10] In June 2019, ISRO was looking for proposals to study remote robotic arm operation, rendezvous and docking related technologies on its PSLV fourth stage (PS4) orbital platform.[11]
As of July 2022[update], Space Docking Experiment has been sanctioned ₹124.47 crore (equivalent to ₹132 crore or US$16 million in 2023) in funding.
The launch of SPADEX is scheduled for mid-December 2024. The spacecraft are currently being integrated with an estimated launch date of December 15.[5]
See also
edit- ETS-VII or KIKU-7, also known as Orihime/Hikoboshi
- Kosmos 186 and Kosmos 188
- Orbital Express
- Robotic Refueling Mission
References
edit- ^ a b "Department of Space Annual Report 2018-19" (PDF). Department of Space. May 27, 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 27, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ "Department of Space Outcome Budget 2013–14" (PDF). Department of Space. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 5, 2022.
- ^ "Dual-Lever Rigidisation Mechanism With A Self-Hold Down Feature For Autonomous Docking Of Spacecraft". September 9, 2022.
- ^ Chacko, T.; B P, Dakshayani; Vighnesam, N.; Gopinath, N.S. (October 1, 2012). Relative state vector generation algorithm for on board navigation for rendezvous docking experiment. 63rd International Astronautical Congress. Vol. 7. pp. 5313–5316.
- ^ a b "Docking test likely before Dec 15; Gaganyaan G1: Vyomitra on 1 seat, ECLSS on 2nd, rocket gets new cryo stage". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ "Development of end effectors for spacecraft berthing and sample retrieval". www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in. Department of Science and Technology. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
- ^ "RESPOND Basket 2021" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 26, 2021.
- ^ "Research Areas in Space 2021" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 15, 2022.
- ^ Kumar, Chethan (May 2, 2017). "ISRO: Isro project that can aid refuel, repair of satellites in space gets push". The Times of India. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ "Detailed Demands for Grants of Department of Space for 2018–2019" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 22, 2018.
- ^ "Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Orbital platform: An avenue for in-orbit scientific experiments" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. June 15, 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 2, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2019.