Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is soon preparing to create another new history in the field of space. In this episode, ISRO on Saturday presented the first glimpse of its Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) satellites. It has been placed on the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. According to ISRO, the purpose of Space Docking Experiment is to develop the technology required for docking (connection of one vehicle with another) and undocking (separation of two vehicles connected in space) of spacecraft (PSLV-C60) in space.

Demonstration of 'docking' technology

ISRO gave this information on the social media platform 'X'. ISRO said in a post, "The launch vehicle has been integrated and now it has been taken to the first 'launching pad' for installing satellites on it and preparing for the launch." According to ISRO, the 'SPADEX' mission will demonstrate the technology of 'docking in space' using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV. 

Essential for future space missions

ISRO said that this technology is necessary for India's moon mission, bringing samples from the moon, construction and operation of Indian Space Center (BAS). Docking technology is needed in space when multiple rockets need to be launched to achieve common mission objectives. If this mission is successful, India will move towards becoming the fourth country in the world to acquire space docking technology. 

According to ISRO, under the SPADEX mission, two small spacecraft (each weighing about 220 kg) will be launched by PSLV-C60 independently and simultaneously into a 470 km circular orbit at 55 degree inclination with a local time cycle of about 66 days.

Launch via PSLV-C60

According to the information, it is to be launched through PSLV-C60 at the end of this month. ISRO Chairman S Somnath has earlier said that the PSLV-C60 mission will demonstrate the 'space docking' experiment, named 'Spadex'. It can possibly be completed in December itself. 

What is 'space docking' and its purpose

'Space docking' is a technique through which two spacecraft are connected in space. This is a technique with the help of which it is possible to send humans from one spacecraft to another. Therefore, space docking is very important for the operation of the space station. In docking, the spacecraft can connect to the station automatically. This technique of connecting two different things in space will help India in building its own space station and in the Chandrayaan-4 project.