Desk: Following the immense success of Chandrayaan-3 and the buzz around the Gaganyaan mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to end 2024 on a high note. On December 30, ISRO will launch the SPADIX mission from the Sriharikota Space Centre. This groundbreaking mission will mark India’s first attempt at docking and undocking two satellites in space. The mission, involving PSLV-C60/SPADIX, aims to place India among the elite group of four nations mastering this advanced space technology.
ISRO officials confirmed on Monday that the PSLV-C60/SPADIX mission is scheduled for launch at 21:58 IST from the SDSC SHAR First Launch Pad in Sriharikota. If successful, the mission will establish India’s expertise in the complex field of space docking technology, positioning it alongside global leaders.
SPADIX Mission: A Revolutionary Leap in Space
This mission is set to be a landmark achievement, featuring the deployment of 24 scientific experiments aboard the PSLV Orbital Experiment Module-4 (POEM-4). Among these, the SPADIX docking demonstration will take center stage. According to ISRO, the POEM-4 will revolutionize space technology, showcasing cutting-edge advancements.
Paving the Path for Chandrayaan-4 and India’s Space Station
ISRO highlighted that the mission will include 24 state-of-the-art R&D payloads (14 from ISRO and 10 from startups). These payloads will conduct biological experiments, robotics research, AI-based labs, and advanced imaging. The success of SPADIX will serve as a stepping stone for future endeavors like Chandrayaan-4 and India’s proposed space station.
SPADIX Mission Overview
The SPADIX spacecraft, developed by the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in collaboration with other ISRO centers (VSSC, LPSC, SAC, IIST, and LIOS), has already been transported to SDSC for final preparations. This mission will demonstrate the docking and undocking of two small spacecraft, SDX01 and SDX02. Following rigorous testing and approval, SPADIX is set to redefine India’s capabilities in space technology.
Key Milestones
- Launch Date: December 30, 2024
- Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C60
- Mission Highlights: Spacecraft docking, 24 advanced experiments
- Impact: Strengthening India’s position in global space exploration
With SPADIX, ISRO is not only breaking barriers but also paving the way for ambitious missions in the years to come.