Chennai, Dec 28 (UNI) Aiming to end 2024 on a high, the Countdown for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s double record mission–one on first ever space docking technology–docking and undocking series involving Spadex satellite–and the other on 24 scientific experiments as part of POEM-4 involving the fourth Stage of PSLV, onboard the PSLV-C60 launch vehicle, will begin tomorrow.
The PSLV-C60 Spadex Mission is scheduled for December 30 at 2158 hrs from the First Launch Pad at the spaceport of Sriharikota.
The countdown, which would normally be 24 to 25 hrs for a PSLV mission, is expected to start tomorrow during which propellant filling operations will be carried out in the four stage vehicle.
In a post on X, ISRO said, in a step closer to lift off, the two satellites of Spadex were integrated with the launch vehicle.
“Integration Milestone! SpaDeX satellites have been successfully integrated with PSLV-C60 at SDSC SHAR. A step closer to liftoff!”, it said.
“PSLV-C60, fully integrated up to PS4 (fourth stage engine) at the PIF facility for the first time, was moved to the First Launch Pad”, it said.
ISRO is keen to sign off the year 2024 on a high with the successful maiden space docking demonstration as this pathbreaking Mission will propel India to become the fourth country in the world in mastering the complex space docking technology.
Apart from the Spadex launch comprising two satellites Chaser and Target for space docking demonstration, this would be a historic and groundbreaking mission as ISRO will script history by deploying a record 24 scientific experiments into space aboard the PSLV Orbital Experiment Module-4 (POEM-4) along with the SpaDeX mission.
In a PSLV-C60/SPADEX Mission update on X, ISRO said PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) revolutionizes space tech!”
“With 24 cutting-edge R&D payloads (14 from ISRO, 10 from academia/startups), it pushes boundaries in biological experiments, robotics, SAR imaging, AI labs, & more…A giant leap for science & innovation”, it said.
The success of Spadex mission will enable India join a select group of space faring nations in mastering the space docking technology which will give a major fillip for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and first ever human space flight Gaganyaan.
The SpaDeX spacecraft was designed and realized by the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) with the support of other ISRO centers (VSSC, LPSC, SAC, IISU, and LEOS).
After completing all tests and clearances, the spacecraft has already been moved from URSC to SDSC where it is undergoing preparations and mandatory tests ahead of the lift off.
“The launch vehicle has been integrated and moved to the First Launch Pad, for further integration of satellites and launch preparations”, the Space Agency said.
SpaDeX Mission is to demonstrate the first ever technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) and they would be launched in a low-Earth circular orbit.
SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV.
This technology is essential for India’s space ambitions such as Indian on Moon, sample return from the Moon, the building and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), etc.
In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives.
