English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Latest Science News

SpaDeX Mission: A key milestone in India’s path to the Bharatiya Antriksh Station

Published

2 years ago

on

ISRO SpaDeX mission demonstrating satellite docking for India’s space station

In a historic step towards establishing its own space station, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) from Sriharikota on December 30, 2024. This groundbreaking mission aims to demonstrate India’s capability to dock two satellites in orbit, a feat achieved so far only by the United States, Russia, and China.

The SpaDeX mission, executed aboard the reliable PSLV-C60 rocket, successfully deployed two spacecraft, SDX01 and SDX02, into a low-Earth orbit approximately 475 kilometers above Earth. Over the following days, these satellites, designated as the “Chaser” and the “Target,” will perform precise maneuvers for docking, undocking, and interlocking, with real-time control by ISRO scientists in Bengaluru.

A leap towards Bharatiya Antriksh Station

SpaDeX is integral to India’s ambitious space station project, the Bharatiya Antriksh Station, slated for completion by 2035. The mission marks a significant step in developing technologies for rendezvous and docking, essential for constructing and operating a space station.

Currently, only two space stations exist—the International Space Station (ISS), a collaboration between NASA, Roscosmos, and ESA, and China’s Tiangong Space Station. With Bharatiya Antriksh Station, India aspires to join this elite league.

Critical objectives of SpaDeX

The primary goals of SpaDeX include:

  1. Demonstrating docking technology to ensure seamless interlocking and pressure checks between spacecraft.
  2. Electric power transfer between docked spacecraft, paving the way for advanced in-space operations.
  3. Composite spacecraft control, enabling remote and automated management from mission control.
  4. Payload experiments post-undocking, ensuring optimal utilization of resources.

These advancements will also enhance the docking capability of India’s Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), akin to NASA’s space shuttles, for future missions.

Microgravity experiments with POEM-4

In tandem with SpaDeX, ISRO is conducting microgravity experiments using the PSLV’s fourth stage, termed POEM-4 (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-4). This platform hosts 24 payloads, including a robotic arm to simulate debris capture—a crucial capability for future space station operations.

The microgravity experiments will benefit academia, startups, and ISRO’s own research centers, providing invaluable insights for extended-duration missions.

Inspiration from “Interstellar”

Docking in space is a complex maneuver, vividly dramatized in the sci-fi film Interstellar. Similar to the movie’s high-stakes scenario, ISRO’s mission involves the Chaser spacecraft approaching and interlocking with the Target while both orbit Earth at high speeds.

Pioneering India’s space future

The SpaDeX mission is not just a technological milestone but a testament to India’s growing prowess in space exploration. If successful, it will cement India’s position as a leader in cutting-edge space technology, bringing the nation closer to realizing its space station dream.

By leveraging such innovations, ISRO continues to push boundaries, inspiring the next generation of scientists and contributing to global advancements in space research.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

India News

PM Modi hails ISRO after successful GSLV-F17 launch, calls it proud moment

PM Modi congratulated ISRO after GSLV-F17 successfully launched EOS-05, calling the achievement a proud moment for India.

Published

1 day ago

on

September 4, 2026

By

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the nation.

The GSLV-F17 lifted off at 2:55 a.m. IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The EOS-05 satellite was subsequently placed into its designated sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit.

PM Modi praises ISRO’s growing capabilities

In a post on X, PM Modi said the successful mission reflected the excellence, innovation and expanding capabilities of India’s space sector.

He also highlighted the growing partnership between ISRO and Indian industry, saying it was strengthening India’s space programme and expanding capabilities across the wider space ecosystem.

The prime minister described the successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 as another outstanding achievement by ISRO and a matter of national pride.

EOS-05 strengthens earth observation capabilities

According to the report, EOS-05 is India’s first-ever imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit. The satellite is designed to provide continuous observation of the country from an altitude of nearly 36,000 km above Earth.

The mission is expected to strengthen India’s earth observation capabilities and support advanced imaging and observation applications.

ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan expressed satisfaction with the mission, saying the satellite was precisely injected into its intended orbit.

Mission Director Thomas Kurian described the launch as a significant milestone for the GSLV programme. He said it was the 19th flight of the GSLV and noted that EOS-05 is the heaviest satellite the launch vehicle has placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit or sub-GTO orbit.

GSLV-F17 launch vehicle details

The GSLV-F17 stands 51.7 metres tall and has an approximate liftoff mass of 420.5 tonnes.

Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh also congratulated the ISRO team following the successful mission. He described EOS-05 as a state-of-the-art Earth observation satellite capable of advanced imaging across visible, infrared, multispectral and hyperspectral bands.

Continue Reading

Latest Science News

Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon begins first mission to International Space Station

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has launched aboard Soyuz MS-29 on his first mission to the International Space Station, where he is expected to spend around eight months conducting research.

Published

2 months ago

on

July 14, 2026

By

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has embarked on his first journey into space after successfully launching aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS).

The mission lifted off from the historic Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 8:17 PM on Tuesday. Menon was accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina as the three-member crew began their expedition to the orbiting laboratory.

Crew to spend about eight months aboard ISS

The Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft is expected to dock with the International Space Station a little over three hours after launch. Once aboard the ISS, the crew will carry out a range of scientific research and technology demonstration projects during their mission.

The expedition is scheduled to last approximately eight months, with the crew expected to return to Earth in 2027 after completing their planned activities in orbit.

Menon’s maiden spaceflight marks a significant milestone in his astronaut career as he joins the International Space Station crew for long-duration research and operational work.

Continue Reading

Latest Science News

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to meet PM Modi after return from historic space mission

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently returned from the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, will meet PM Modi this evening. Parliament will also hold a special discussion on his historic journey.

Published

1 year ago

on

August 18, 2025

By

Subhanshu shukla

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening at his official residence in New Delhi.

PM Modi to host meeting with astronaut

According to officials, the meeting at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg is expected to take place between 5 pm and 5:30 pm. Shukla, who arrived in India on Sunday, will also be part of the National Space Day celebrations scheduled for August 23.

Warm welcome in India

The astronaut was greeted at the airport by his family, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and hundreds of citizens waving the national flag. Shukla had been in the United States for a year, preparing for the Axiom-4 mission, which launched from Florida on June 25 and docked at the ISS the next day. He served as the mission’s pilot.

Emotional note from Shukla

Before his return, Shukla shared an emotional post on Instagram, expressing mixed feelings of leaving his space colleagues while being eager to meet his loved ones and people of India. He also quoted a song from the film Swades, which he had chosen as his anthem on the launch day.

Parliament session on India’s space journey

In honour of Shukla’s mission, the Lok Sabha is holding a special session today to discuss “India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS – critical role of space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047.” Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the discussion would highlight the importance of India’s space achievements and future goals.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com