ISRO Successfully Launches SpaDeX Space Docking Mission
Why focus: ISRO orbital docking milestone — highly testable GS3 Sci-Tech proxy for 'How-Many-Correct' on satellite capabilities and PSLV payload.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: India lacked the capability to join spacecraft in orbit, restricting missions to the payload limits of a single launch vehicle. NOW: Demonstrated autonomous docking allows for in-space assembly, enabling the modular construction of the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
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BEFORE: Lunar return missions were constrained by the massive fuel and weight requirements of a single launch. NOW: The docking capability validates the architecture for Chandrayaan-4, which will launch in multiple parts and assemble in orbit.
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BEFORE: Satellites running low on power or fuel could not be assisted, leading to their eventual decommissioning. NOW: SpaDeX proved electrical power transfer between docked spacecraft, laying the groundwork for in-orbit servicing and extending satellite lifespans.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
With Reference ToWith reference to the ISRO SpaDeX mission, consider the following statements: 1. It involved the docking of two satellites named Chaser and Target launched by the PSLV-C60 rocket. 2. It successfully demonstrated the transfer of electrical power between the docked spacecraft. 3. The mission makes India the second country in the world to achieve space docking. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?