ISRO undocks Spadex satellites for lunar space exploration
The undocking process involved a series of carefully coordinated steps, resulting in the successful separation of the SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) satellites.
ISRO undocks Spadex satellites for lunar space exploration
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the successful completion of its SpaDeX mission’s space de-docking, marking a significant achievement in India’s journey towards advanced space exploration.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh extended his congratulations to the ISRO team, stating that the “SpaDeX satellites accomplished the unbelievable de-docking,” adding that the milestone was “heartening for every Indian.”
In a post on X, Singh highlighted the importance of the accomplishment, saying, “This paves the way for the smooth conduct of ambitious future missions, including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan-4, and Gaganyaan.” Singh also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing support for ISRO, stating that it keeps the team's spirits high.
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The undocking process involved a series of carefully coordinated steps, resulting in the successful separation of the SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) satellites.
These satellites were launched on December 30, 2024, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C60 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Important actions included disengaging the Capture Lever in SDX-2, releasing Capture Lever 3, and extending SDX-2. The de-docking procedure was finished when both satellites received the decapture command following these manoeuvres.
The SpaDeX mission, which uses two small spacecraft launched by PSLV, is an affordable technology demonstration for in-space docking.
This technology is essential to India's future space goals, which include constructing and running the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon, and carrying out sample return missions. In-space docking technology is essential for coordinating multiple rocket launches to achieve common mission objectives.
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