ISRO aiming to "split up and unite" a satellite in space as a part of Space Docking Experiment
The Space Docking Experiment - also called SPADEX will play a major factor in advancing technologies for future human missions and the upcoming space station.
ISRO aiming to "split up and unite" a satellite in space
Key Highlights
- The technology which ISRO is planning to deploy will allow them to transfer humans from one spacecraft or vehicle into another
- The main immediate goal is to allow for refuelling of the spacecraft in order to give them a longer life span
- The manoeuvre can also be used to transfer other crucial systems to an existing spacecraft
The Indian Space Research Agency has a number of plans in its kitty this year. Other than the Chandrayaan mission, the space agency is also planning to split up a satellite and then reunite the pair in space. The Space Docking Experiment - also called SPADEX will play a major factor in advancing technologies for future human missions and the upcoming space station. The SPADEX model brings together mature technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, formation flying and remote robotic arm operations etc. The application will give ISRO the scope of application of the same in human spaceflight, in-space satellite servicing etc.
The technology which ISRO is looking at will allow them to transfer humans from one spacecraft or vehicle into another. The main immediate goal is to allow for refuelling of the spacecraft in order to give them a longer life span. The manoeuvre can also be used to transfer other crucial systems to an existing spacecraft, or by transporting another spacecraft into space, according to a report published by TOI.
The TOI report quoted ISRO chief K Sivan as stating, "The satellite we will launch will have two components. It will be separated into two pieces and then they will get docked into a single piece. This single unit will then function as a full-fledged satellite. This is a very crucial technology."
The SPADEX experiment, if successful, will also provide ISRO data on rendezvous technology - a capability where a spacecraft can find another spacecraft and also remain in the same orbit. These advancements are said to be critical if India is planning to have its own space station built in the future.
ISRO has already reportedly worked on a number of systems like signal analysis equipment, high-precision video meter for navigation, docking system electronics, and real-time decision making for landing systems - all of which are to be utilised during this experimental flight.
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