BENGALURU: Tonight, just after 10 PM, India is set to launch its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket. This mission will transport two small spacecraft, each weighing around 220 kg, into a 470 km circular orbit.

The goal of this technology demonstration is to prove India’s ability to execute complex in-space docking operations, a key technology for future space projects, including upcoming lunar missions and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). A successful mission would place India among an elite group of countries capable of these advanced maneuvers.

The mission will showcase several homegrown technologies, including an advanced docking mechanism, rendezvous sensors, and inter-satellite communication systems.

The two spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), will perform a series of precisely planned maneuvers to reduce their separation from 20 km to just a few meters over a period of 10 days, leading up to the docking attempt.

The technology demonstration is particularly challenging due to the small size of the spacecraft, which demands highly accurate navigation and control systems.

After the docking is completed, the spacecraft will conduct secondary objectives, including power transfer experiments and payload operations. SDX01 will carry a high-resolution camera, while SDX02 will feature a multi-spectral payload and radiation monitor for scientific research.

Additionally, the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) will carry 24 experimental payloads, contributing to the mission’s scientific goals.