On a historic night, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its groundbreaking Spadex mission (Space Docking Experiment) from Sriharikota at 10:00 PM on Monday. ISRO has hailed this launch as a 'significant milestone' in India's space exploration journey.
Experts believe that the success of this mission is crucial for the development of the Indian Space Station (BAS) and the Chandrayaan-4 mission. This is why the launch holds immense importance.
Source: aajtak
What is the Spadex Mission?
This mission involves two satellites: the Chaser and the Target. The Chaser satellite will capture and dock with the Target. Additionally, a significant test could be performed with a robotic arm extending from the satellite, which uses a tethered system to pull the Target towards it. This Target could be a different CubeSat.
This experiment is set to provide ISRO with future capabilities to bring satellites veering off course back into orbit. It will also open up possibilities for servicing and refueling satellites in orbit. The Spadex mission showcases the docking of two separate spacecraft in space.
