ISRO Missions and Discoveries

ISRO SpaDEx PSLV-C60 Launch

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: ISRO SpaDEx PSLV-C60 Launch

Why in the News?

ISRO’s PSLV will launch 2 satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, into a 476-km circular orbit in the first week of January to conduct the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEx), marking India’s entry into the elite group of nations capable of mastering Space Docking.

What is PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission?

  • The PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission is a landmark mission aimed at demonstrating in-space docking and undocking technology.
  • This mission would position India as the fourth country in the world to master space docking, following the US, Russia, and China.
  • Objective:
    • To demonstrate the docking, undocking, and rendezvous capabilities of two satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
    • Facilitate power transfer between docked spacecraft, an essential capability for future space missions.
  • Satellites: (Each weighing 220kg.)
    • SDX01 (Chaser): Equipped with a High-Resolution Camera (HRC).
    • SDX02 (Target): Carries a Miniature Multispectral Payload (MMX) and a Radiation Monitor (RadMon).
  • Configuration:
    • The satellites will be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) in a core-alone (CA) configuration, meaning without strap-on boosters.
    • They will be placed in a 476-km circular orbit with an inclination of 55°.
  • Post-Docking:
    • After the docking demonstration, the satellites will continue standalone missions for two years, conducting imaging, natural resource monitoring, and radiation environment studies.
  • Significance: It is a strategic step towards several ambitious space objectives, including:
    • Preparing for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program
    • Enabling Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return missions
    • Developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s proposed space station35

What is Space Docking?

  • Space docking refers to the process where two spacecraft in orbit rendezvous and physically connect to form a single entity. It is a highly complex and precise maneuver essential for advanced space missions.
  • Key Steps of Space Docking:
  1. Rendezvous: Involves bringing two spacecraft into the same orbit with minimal distance and velocity difference.
  2. Docking: Establishing a mechanical connection between the spacecraft using specialized docking systems.
  3. Power and Resource Sharing: Once docked, the spacecraft can transfer power, fuel, or crew to support joint operations.

 

PYQ:

[2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

  1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
  2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
  3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

💥Mentorship January Batch Launch
Talk To Mentor
💥💥Mentorship December Batch Launch
Talk To Mentor