What all you should know about PSLV, SpaDex-Twin satellite mission

ISRO's PSLV-C60 mission successfully launched the SpaDex to conduct crucial experiments related to space docking technology

Hyderabad: The SpaDeX mission involves the deployment of two small spacecraft, each weighing approximately 220 kg, to be launched simultaneously and independently by PSLV-C60 into a circular orbit at an altitude of 470 km with a local time cycle of nearly 66 days.

In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. With the successful launch of the mission, India becomes the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology after Russia, United States and China.

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Besides, this technology is crucial for advancing India’s space goals, such as lunar exploration, lunar sample return missions, and Bharatiya Antariksh Station, the country’s very own Space Station scheduled to be operational by 2035.

PSLV

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is a highly successful and versatile launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It has become a key player in ISRO‘s satellite launch program, known for its ability to deliver payloads into various types of orbits, including polar, geosynchronous, and sun-synchronous orbits.

Inaugural launch: The first PSLV launch took place on September 20, 1993 (PSLV-D1), marking India’s entry into the international space launch arena. The success of this mission helped establish PSLV as a reliable and cost-effective launch vehicle.

Notable payloads:

The first Indian lunar probe launched as part of the Chandrayaan program was Chandrayaan-1. In October 2008, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched it, and it remained in operation until August 2009.

On November 5, 2013, India’s first interplanetary mission to Mars, the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), was launched aboard PSLV-C25. The fourth space agency to successfully launch a spacecraft into orbit around Mars is ISRO.MOM spent seven years in orbit on September 24, 2021, despite the mission’s intended six-month lifespan.

Aditya-L1 is a spacecraft for studying the solar atmosphere, designed and developed by ISRO.

Record-Breaking Missions:

PSLV-C37: On February 15, 2017, PSLV-C37 set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission, of which 96 satellites were international, showcasing its ability to carry multiple payloads.

PSLV-C48:  lifted-off on December 11, 2019 from the First Launch Pad of SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. PSLV-C48 was the 75th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. This is the 2nd flight of PSLV in ‘QL’ configuration.

Failures: The PSLV has launched 61 times as of December 5, 2024, with 58 of those launches successfully reaching their intended orbits, two complete failures, and one partial failure.

PSLV-C60:

ISRO’s PSLV-C60 mission successfully launched the SpaDex (Space Docking Experiment) to conduct crucial experiments related to space docking technology.

This launch marks a significant step forward in India’s capabilities for autonomous spacecraft docking, a critical component for future space missions, including crewed space exploration and satellite servicing.

The SpaDex experiment aims to demonstrate the ability of a spacecraft to dock with another in space, testing key technologies like rendezvous and capture mechanisms, precision control, and navigation.

The success of this mission is expected to pave the way for more advanced space docking systems, helping ISRO prepare for upcoming missions that may involve complex satellite assembly, in-orbit repairs, or interplanetary missions.

This launch underscores the growing technological expertise of ISRO, further establishing it as a key player in the global space exploration community. GSLV mission planned in January would be 100th launch from Sriharikota.