India's SPADEX mission to test space docking on Dec 15

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch two satellites, 'Chaser' and 'Target', on December 15, as part of the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX). This experiment aims to test the technology for docking satellites in space, a crucial step towards establishing India's own space station and supporting the Gaganyaan mission. SPADEX was built at Thiruvananthapuram Kinfra park-based Anant Technologies' Bengaluru centre.

This mission is crucial for retrieving objects from other planets and space stations and bringing them back to Earth, as well as transporting humans to planets and space stations and returning them safely. The robotic arm can capture orbiting satellites, refuel them, extend their lifespan, repair damages, and install new equipment. This can reduce launch costs. The robotic arm will also capture and dispose of space debris.

Two satellites will perform special handshake
1. The Target and Chaser satellites, each weighing 400 kg, will be launched together on a PSLV-C60 rocket into two slightly different orbits. They will dock at an altitude of 700 km.

2. Traveling at 8 km/s, the satellites will approach each other, slow down, and perform a 'space handshake' to become a single unit. The challenge lies in avoiding collision during docking. After completing their tasks, the satellites will separate.

3. After the success of SPADEX, the components of Chandrayaan-4 will be sent to space and assembled there before heading to the Moon. Similarly, for establishing India's space station, various components will be transported to space and assembled in orbit.

Docking technology
Only Russia, America, and China have mastered this technology.

• In 1967, the Soviet Union achieved docking through its Cosmos mission.
• In 1975, the United States' Apollo docked with Russia's Soyuz.
• In 2014, China achieved this feat through its Tianzhou cargo spacecraft
• SpaceX developed automatic docking technology. Now, the International Space Station (ISS) relies on SpaceX for docking