India is set to launch the PSLV-C60 rocket tonight at 10 PM, marking a significant milestone with the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission. The mission will deploy two small spacecraft, each weighing approximately 220 kg, into a 470 km circular orbit. These spacecraft will perform complex docking maneuvers, a key capability for future space initiatives, including lunar missions and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
Named SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), the spacecraft will begin by separating at a distance of 20 km and gradually reduce the gap to a few meters before executing the docking procedure 10 days after launch. This intricate mission involves testing indigenous technologies like docking mechanisms, rendezvous sensors, and inter-satellite communication systems.
The success of SpaDeX will place India among an elite group of nations with advanced in-space docking capabilities. Post-docking, the spacecraft will conduct secondary experiments, including power transfer trials, payload operations, and scientific studies. SDX01 will feature a high-resolution camera, while SDX02 will carry a multi-spectral payload and a radiation monitor.
Additionally, the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) will host 24 experimental payloads, further advancing India’s space research capabilities.
