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SpaDeX

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Space Docking Experiment
SpaDeX Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02) spacecrafts during testing
OperatorISRO
Spacecraft properties
BusModified IMS-1
ManufacturerU R Rao Satellite Centre (ISRO)
Ananth Technologies
Start of mission
Launch date30 December 2024, 10:00 PM IST (16:30 UTC)
RocketPSLV-CA C60[1]
Launch siteSatish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad
ContractorISRO

SpaDeX or Space Docking Experiment is a twin satellite mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to mature technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, formation flying, with scope of applications in human spaceflight, in-space satellite servicing and other proximity operations.[2]

SpaDeX consists of two modified IMS-1 class (220 kg) satellites, one being Chaser and other being Target, and both were launched as co-passengers or auxiliary payloads.[3][4] The two satellites were injected into slightly different orbits.[5]

N Surendran is the Project Director of SpaDeX Mission.[6] The mission was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad aboard a dedicated Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on 30 December 2024 at 16:30 UTC.[7][8]

Objectives

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  • Autonomous rendezvous and docking
  • Verify the electrical power flow and establish duplicate controls between the docked spacecraft. Operating their payloads after undocking maneuver.[9][10]
  • Composite spacecraft control using Attitude Control System of other spacecraft while in docked configuration.[2][11]
  • Formation flying
  • Remote robotic arm operations in POEM-4.[12][13][14][15]

History

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With preliminary studies done in 2016,[16] Space Docking Experiment was approved by the Government of India with an initial funding of ₹10 crore, cleared in 2017.[17] In June 2019, ISRO was looking for proposals to study remote robotic arm operation, rendezvous and docking related technologies on its PSLV fourth stage (PS4) orbital platform.[18]

As of July 2022, Space Docking Experiment has been sanctioned ₹124.47 crore (equivalent to ₹132 crore or US$15 million in 2023) in funding.[19]

Two 220 kg satellites named "Chaser" and "Target" will first be positioned at an altitude of 470 km with 55° inclination, where they will execute a number of precise maneuvers in order to rendezvous and dock.[20][21] The "Chaser" and "Target" satellites, along with related docking technologies, were designed and implemented for the SpaDeX mission by UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) with assistance from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), and Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS).[22]

For the SpaDeX satellites, Ananth Technologies provided Rendezvous Processing Units (RPU) and DC-to-DC converters. Additionally, the company provided 29 essential components for the PSLV-C60 launch vehicle, such as data acquisition units, transmitters, power modules, NavIC chip and control modules.[23][24] In less than three months, Ananth Technologies finished the satellite assembly, integration, and testing for ISRO, delivering them to the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC).[25] As per S. Somanath, docking is a crucial component of Chandrayaan-4 and that ISRO intended SpaDeX as a forerunner. Satellites for the SpaDeX mission were being further tested as of October 2024. All the testing process was to be finished by November 2024. The launch took place successfully on 30th Dec 2024. Both the planned Bharatiya Antariksha Station and Gaganyaan space flights depend on the mission's success.[26][27][28] Additionally, the mission is essential for future interplanetary travel and on-orbit satellite servicing.[24]

As of January 2, 2024, ISRO has increased the distance between SDX01 and SDX02 to begin the rendezvous phase.[29]

Description

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The designations SDX01 and SDX02 are assigned to the "Chaser" and "Target" satellites, respectively though both are androgynous[30].[10] The launch vehicle will create a 10–20 km inter-satellite separation between SDX01 and SDX02 by providing an incremental velocity between them. Following this drift arrest maneuver, Target and Chaser will have reached far rendezvous, when they are in the same orbit at the same speed but 20 km apart. In order to eventually link the two spacecraft, Chaser will then approach Target with increasingly shorter inter-satellite distances of 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and 3 m. Electrical power flow will be established once docking and rigidization are completed successfully.[21]

The Space Applications Centre developed a miniaturized high-resolution camera with photo and video capability carried aboard the SDX01. SDX02 is equipped with a Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX) for vegetation and natural resource monitoring. In order to properly plan the Gaganyaan missions, SDX02 has a radiation detector that will collect data on radiation levels in space.[31][32]

The Bhartiya Docking System (BDS) was developed by ISRO based on the International Docking System Standard (IDSS) after unsuccessful attempts to import the docking technology from abroad. It has been patented by ISRO. In the near-Earth orbit, SDX01 and SDX02 will be moving at a speed of roughly 28,800 kmph. For autonomous docking, the relative velocities of SDX01 and SDX02 will be reduced to 0.036 kmph or 10 mmph using retrorockets and a sensor suite. In contrast to the 24 motors used in IDSS, the BDS only uses two. The docking port on SpaDeX is 450 mm in diameter, whereas the docking port at the Gaganyaan and Bharatiya Antariksha Station will be 800 mm.[33][34][35]

Within ten to fifteen days following launch, the inter-satellite distances will be reduced. The Chandrayaan-4 mission won't require GNSS assistance from Earth if SpaDeX autonomous docking is successful.[36] The final docking manoeuvre is planned for 7 January 2025 at the latest.[37] Fifteen minutes is the estimated duration for the final docking manoeuvre.[38]

The dual-motor actuation design will help for secure connections and accurate alignment at low speeds. The real-time alignment and navigation will be supported by proximity sensors, laser rangefinders, and rendezvous cameras. During docking operations, an Inter-Satellite Communication Link (ISL) will provide smooth data transmission, improving the system's dependability and autonomy.[39]

New process and technologies

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  • Instead of being assembled and integrated at Vehicle Assembly and Launching Facility (VALF) and Mobile Service Tower (MST) respectively, the launch vehicle was assembled in a new PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) and transported to the launch pad to reduce the lead-in time between missions.[40][41]
  • A low-impact, androgynous peripheral docking system with an approach velocity of 10 mm/s.[32][39]
  • Laser rangefinder and corner cube retroreflectors for position vector and velocity in 6,000 to 200 m range. Rendezvous sensor for position vector in 2,000 to 250 m and 250 to 10 m range. Proximity and docking sensor for position vector and velocity in 30 m to 0.4 m range. Charge-coupled device for 20 to 0.5 m range to capture docking event. Mechanism entry sensor from 8 cm to 4 cm to detect SDX01 entry into SDX02.[32][40][31]
  • Integrated processor for Relative Orbit Determination and Propagation (RODP) with differential GNSS-based Satellite Positioning System (SPS) for Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT).[22][40] VHF/UHF transceivers to transfer and synchronize position vector and velocity data by Inter-Satellite Communication Link.[32][39]
  • Rendezvous and Docking Algorithms.[32] The Rendezvous Simulation Lab to validate the algorithms through real-time simulation, the Docking Mechanism Performance Test for last stage of docking, and the Vertical Docking Experiment Lab to test the docking mechanisms under controlled settings.[40]

Challenges

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ISRO will not undertake a trial mission for the space docking experiment due to financial constraints. The two satellites and associated equipment were built by ISRO for ₹125 crore, while the launch vehicle will cost an additional ₹250 crore. Another problem is to manage lower inertia and build a compact, low-impact androgynous design compatible with modular spacecraft configurations. A tiny force or minor disruption can interfere with the docking process because of low mass and low inertia which could cause the satellite to deviate from its alignment.[36][39]

International collaboration

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The Italian company Leaf Space, which offers ground segment-as-a-service (GSaaS) solutions, partnered with ISRO, to create communication linkages with the POEM-4 platform and the SpaDeX satellites. It made telemetry, command operations, and ongoing SpaDeX mission monitoring possible.[42]

Future development

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During the SpaDeX mission's post-launch briefing on December 30, 2024, ISRO Chief S. Somanath declared that additional SpaDeX missions with greater size and complexity would be launched, showing larger docking systems, most likely for Gaganyaan and Bharatiya Antariksha Station.[37]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "PSLV-C60 SPADEX Mission" (PDF). ISRO. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Department of Space Annual Report 2018-19" (PDF). Department of Space. May 27, 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 27, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  3. ^ "Department of Space Outcome Budget 2013–14" (PDF). Department of Space. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 5, 2022.
  4. ^ "Dual-Lever Rigidisation Mechanism With A Self-Hold Down Feature For Autonomous Docking Of Spacecraft". September 9, 2022.
  5. ^ Chacko, T.; B P, Dakshayani; Vighnesam, N.; Gopinath, N.S. (October 1, 2012). Relative state vector generation algorithm for on board navigation for rendezvous docking experiment. 63rd International Astronautical Congress. Vol. 7. pp. 5313–5316.
  6. ^ "'SpaDex will prove useful for future assignments,' says Project Director N Surendran". ANI. December 31, 2024. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  7. ^ Chaitanya, SV Krishna (December 6, 2024). "ISRO may test space docking on December 26". The New Indian Express. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  8. ^ Smith, Martin (December 30, 2024). "India to launch SPADEX space docking demonstration, begins assembly of human-rated launch vehicle". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  9. ^ Malik, Tariq (December 29, 2024). "Watch India launch 2 satellites on a space docking test flight on Dec. 30 (video)". Space.com. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  10. ^ a b "Isro integrates two Spadex satellites with PSLV-C60 for launch". India Today. December 26, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  11. ^ Ramesh, Sandhya (December 30, 2024). "ISRO launches SpaDeX onboard PSLV. How it will pave way for Bharatiya Antariksha Station". ThePrint. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  12. ^ "Development of end effectors for spacecraft berthing and sample retrieval". www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in. Department of Science and Technology. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  13. ^ "RESPOND Basket 2021" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 26, 2021.
  14. ^ "Research Areas in Space 2021" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 15, 2022.
  15. ^ "POEM-4 in PSLV-C60 / SpaDeX Mission". www.isro.gov.in. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  16. ^ Kumar, Chethan (May 2, 2017). "ISRO: Isro project that can aid refuel, repair of satellites in space gets push". The Times of India. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  17. ^ "Detailed Demands for Grants of Department of Space for 2018–2019" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 22, 2018.
  18. ^ "Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Orbital platform: An avenue for in-orbit scientific experiments" (PDF). Indian Space Research Organisation. June 15, 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 2, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  19. ^ Fernandes, Jocelyn (October 21, 2023). "ISRO Missions: A look at what's up and coming from India's space research agency". mint. Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  20. ^ Kanwar, Shimona (October 24, 2024). "Chaser eyes Target: Isro set for pioneering space docking trial". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  21. ^ a b Singh, Surendra (December 25, 2024). "Isro to launch SpaDex mission on Dec 30 for developing space docking tech". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  22. ^ a b "ISRO to launch its SpaDeX mission tomorrow". ANI. December 29, 2024. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  23. ^ "Hyderabad-based ATL congratulates ISRO on PSLV-C60, Spadex". The Hindu. December 31, 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  24. ^ a b Siddiqui, Huma (December 31, 2024). "India's PSLV-C60 launch: A milestone in space docking and private industry collaboration". Financialexpress. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  25. ^ MP, Sidharth (October 18, 2024). "ISRO gears up for 'Space handshake' SPADEX; private firm delivers two satellites". WION. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  26. ^ Kumar, Chethan (October 14, 2024). "Docking test likely before Dec 15; Gaganyaan G1: Vyomitra on 1 seat, ECLSS on 2nd, rocket gets new cryo stage". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  27. ^ "Isro launches space docking satellites, India on path to elite club; PSLV last stage has 24 payloads". The Times of India. December 31, 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  28. ^ C.S, Hemanth (December 30, 2024). "PSLV-C60 launch: ISRO launches SpaDeX mission for space docking". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  29. ^ "Epic chase to begin in space as distance between Isro's SpadeX satellites grow". India Today. January 2, 2025. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  30. ^ "Wayback Machine" (PDF). www.isro.gov.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 28, 2024. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  31. ^ a b MP, Sidharth (December 29, 2024). "Explainer: Why SPADEX is India's most sophisticated mission around Earth". Wion. Retrieved December 29, 2024.
  32. ^ a b c d e "SpaDeX Mission". www.isro.gov.in. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  33. ^ Bagla, Pallava (December 26, 2024). "'SpaDeX' Mission: How ISRO Will Dock Two Satellites In Space". ndtv.com. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  34. ^ Indian Space Research Organisation (September 9, 2022). ISRO's patent filing for SPADEX docking interface.
  35. ^ "Patent Drawings for Autonomous vehicle docking system 200 (r/ISRO)". Imgur. September 30, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  36. ^ a b Upadhya, Harish; Sen Gupta, Pathikrit (December 25, 2024). "Two 200 Kg Spacecraft At Rs 125 Cr: A Lot Is Riding On ISRO's SpaDeX Mission; Here's Why | Exclusive". News18. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  37. ^ a b "ISRO set to launch NVS-02 satellite in Jan 2025, with more missions planned for upcoming year: ISRO Chief". ANI. December 31, 2024. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  38. ^ Pillai, Soumya (January 4, 2025). "ISRO to carry out 1st space docking experiment. Why the indigenous tech is crucial for future missions". ThePrint. Retrieved January 4, 2025.
  39. ^ a b c d Singh, Abhinav (December 23, 2024). "PSLV-C60 POEM-4: Pioneering space research with cutting-edge payloads from ISRO, startups, and universities". The Week. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  40. ^ a b c d Dutt, Anonna (December 30, 2024). "Why ISRO's 'docking' mission today is critical for India's space ambitions". The Indian Express. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  41. ^ Ramesh, Sandhya (March 2, 2024). "How ISRO's PSLV Integration Facility launch at Sriharikota will help India's space ecosystem". ThePrint. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  42. ^ Faleti, Joshua (January 3, 2025). "Leaf Space Provides Support to ISRO SpaDeX LEO Mission". SpaceWatch.GLOBAL. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
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