ISRO is gearing up for its most ambitious experiment yet. The success of this trial will determine the fate of the Indian Space Station (BAS) and the Chandrayaan-4 mission. It is, therefore, of paramount importance. According to ISRO sources, the Indian Space Agency might launch the SPADEX mission on December 30, 2024.
The launch will take place from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, utilizing the PSLV-C60 rocket. The second launch pad is being readied for the Gaganyaan-G1 mission, with preparations commencing next week. The SPADEX mission will demonstrate the joining of two different spacecraft in space.
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Source: aajtak
In October, ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somanath indicated the execution of the SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission in December. This docking procedure is crucial for Chandrayaan-4 (Chandrayaan-4), a technique where different sections are brought together and connected. Currently, the integration of SPADEX satellites is in progress and will be ready in a month, followed by testing and simulations.
Why is the SPADEX Mission Important?
This technology of connecting two distinct entities in space will aid India in constructing its own space station and support the Chandrayaan-4 project. SPADEX involves two segments of a single satellite launched together on one rocket. In space, these segments will be deployed at different locations. The Indian Space Station will be based on this technology in the future.
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Experimentation in Earth's Lower Orbit
These two segments will later be joined in Earth's lower orbit, forming a single unit once again. This complex process involves numerous tasks, such as having both segments seek out each other in space, move closer, and synchronize into the same orbit to unite seamlessly.