Isro set to Launch SpaDex Mission on December 30 to Demonstrate Space Docking Technology

In a milestone for India's space ambitions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is gearing up to launch the SpaDex mission on December 30, which will showcase the country's capability in space docking technology. This cutting-edge innovation will enable India to join an elite group of nations, including the US, Russia, and China, capable of rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two spacecraft in space.

The SpaDex mission, scheduled to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, will feature two small spacecraft, Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02), each weighing 220 kilograms. The Chaser will pursue the Target while orbiting the Earth at high speed and attempt to dock with it, marking a significant leap in space exploration and technological advancement. The mission will also test the transfer of electrical power between the docked spacecraft and enable payload operations post-undocking.

The success of SpaDex is crucial for India's ambitious plans to set up its own space station and will provide the country's Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) with docking capability in the future. Moreover, the mission will experiment with microgravity, utilizing the spent fourth stage of the PSLV rocket as a platform for conducting in-orbit microgravity experiments for an extended duration.

The launch of SpaDex marks a significant milestone in Isro's efforts to enhance its space capabilities and reinforce India's presence in the global space arena. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative approach, Isro is poised to take a major leap in space exploration and rendezvous with the world's leading space agencies, solidifying India's position as a major player in the space sector.