Following a triumphant in-space docking of two satellites, scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are now strategizing for a more intricate second SpaDeX mission. This ambitious new endeavor aims to dock two satellites in an elliptical orbit, a significantly more complex maneuver than their initial success.
The capability to join satellites in space, known as docking, is a cornerstone technology for India’s future space exploration. It’s critical for the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India’s ambitious planned space station. With this, India became only the fourth country, after the US, Russia, and China, to demonstrate in-space docking capabilities. However, the feat was carried out in a relatively easier circular orbit.
In their groundbreaking first SpaDeX mission, ISRO successfully launched two 220-kg satellites into a 470-km circular orbit. Through precise maneuvering, a small relative velocity was introduced, allowing the satellites to drift apart before being meticulously brought back together. The historic docking occurred on January 16. Beyond the physical connection, the experiment also showcased power sharing between the satellites and their ability to operate as a single, composite unit in response to commands.
This capability is likely to play a vital role in future missions, such as Chandrayaan-4, where multiple modules may be launched separately, and docking and undocking will be required in both Earth and lunar orbits.
For moon missions, ISRO typically launches spacecraft into an elliptical Earth orbit, gradually raising the apogee (farthest point) through engine burns at perigee (closest point) to use minimal fuel. This process sets up a slingshot trajectory toward the Moon, making docking in elliptical orbits a practical requirement for complex missions.
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