At InclusiveIAS, we understand the significance of Science and Technology in the UPSC Prelims and the challenges students face in mastering this subject. To address these issues, we have launched Science Corner, a dedicated space where aspirants can access comprehensive and meticulously curated notes tailored specifically for Prelims. Our aim is to simplify complex topics, align content with the evolving exam trends, and empower aspirants with a strong foundation to tackle Science and Technology questions confidently.By bridging the gap between complexity and clarity, this initiative reflects our philosophy of making UPSC preparation inclusive, effective, and student-centric.
SpaDeX Mission
- SpaDeX mission( Space Docking Experiment ) is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV.
- Objectives:The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit. Secondary objectives include:
- Demonstration of the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, which is essential for future applications such as in-space robotics,
- Composite spacecraft control, and
- Payload operations after undocking.
- In addition to its docking objectives, the SpaDeX mission will conduct microgravity experiments using PSLV’s spent fourth stage, known as POEM-4 (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module).
- The Spadex mission will see the two satellites — SDX01 or Chaser and SDX02 or Target — align in the same orbit, reduce distance between each other, join and transfer electrical power between them, and then separate. After they separate, payloads on board both the satellites will continue to function for two years.
- Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C60 will launch the two 220 kg satellites in a 470 km circular orbit, with the launch vehicle providing a small relative velocity between the two.
- The indigenous technologies developed for enabling this docking mission are as follows:
- Docking mechanism,
- A suite of four rendezvous and docking sensors,
- Power transfer technology,
- Indigenous novel autonomous rendezvous and docking strategy,
- Inter-satellite communication link (ISL) for autonomous communication between spacecraft, incorporated with inbuilt intelligence to know the states of the other spacecraft,
- GNSS-based Novel Relative Orbit Determination and Propagation (RODP) processor to determine the relative position and velocity of the other spacecraft,
- Simulation test beds for both hardware and software design validation and testing.
| PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) |
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