ISRO's SpaDeX Mission

Overview of Recent Events

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a significant maneuver with two SpaDeX satellites, bringing them as close as 3 meters apart in orbit.
• After the maneuver, the satellites were moved to a safe distance, with the entire process being closely monitored for data analysis.
• The satellites initially began 230 meters apart and were methodically brought closer at different distances like 105 meters, 15 meters, and finally 3 meters.
• The docking attempts were postponed earlier due to alignment issues, with previous attempts on January 7 and January 9.

Docking Plan

• The docking procedure involves the Chaser satellite progressively approaching the Target satellite.
• The sequence of distances includes 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and finally 3 m.
• Upon successful docking, ISRO aims to demonstrate the transfer of electrical power and control commands between the satellites.
• A successful docking would position India as the fourth nation to achieve space docking, following the USA, Russia, and China.

Implications of SpaDeX Mission

• Space docking capability is crucial for missions requiring larger payloads that a single launch cannot accommodate.
• Chandrayaan-4 is expected to be the first Indian mission necessitating this capability, with plans to bring lunar samples back to Earth.
• Future requirements include setting up the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, with plans to launch the first module in 2028 and a human mission to the Moon anticipated before 2040.