Docking specifically refers to joining of two separate free-flying space vehicles.Berthing refers to mating operations where an inactive module/vehicle is placed into the mating interface of another space vehicle by using a robotic arm.
So I'd read that this orbital docking experiment is called SPADEX (SPAce Docking EXperiment) - and isn't this SPADEX actually on the manifest for the upcoming PSLV C38 mission scheduled to launch in a couple of weeks? Gee, I hadn't realized they'd snuck that in there. How long would it take to carry out this experiment? Here's some old info from Reddit:https://www.reddit.com/r/ISRO/comments/3l1xdl/proposed_rendezvous_and_docking_experiment/
Do you have any source link for this info ( SPADEX on PSLV-C38) ?
The couple EMISAT/SPADEX comes originally from this source:http://nrsc.gov.in/sites/all/pdf/modnrscUIM%20_Raghava%20Reddy_1.pdfEMIsat seems to be an Earth observation satellite (anyone knows what this acronym means?)SPaDEx seems to be a Space Docking Experiment between 2 mini satellites
INDIAN LAUNCH MANIFEST ( 5 Jun 2017) Date Launch Vehicle Payload--------------------------------------------------------------------------------...#23 Jun 17 PSLV C38 Cartosat 2E (Cartosat 2 Series Satellite 3), EMISAT/SPADEX?, Lemur-2 34-41, Max Valier Sat, Venta 1, 3-Diamonds Red/Green/Blue, QB50-IOD (InflateSail (GB06), COMPASS 2 (DragSail-CubeSat, DE04)), QB50-S (LituanicaSAT 2 (LT01), NUDTSat (CN06, BE06), PEGASUS (AT03), UCLSat (GB03), URSA MAJOR (IT02), VZLUsat 1 (CZ02)), SHERPA (3CAT1, Aalto 1, Arkyd 6, Pathfinder 2, CANYVAL-X (Tom, Jerry), CAT 1, CNUSail 1, CORVUS BC, DIDO 1, eXCITe (PTB 1, SeeMee), FOX 1C/1D, ICE-Cap, ITASAT 1, KAUSAT 5, LMPC (AeroCube 9), OCSD B/C (IOCPS), PROPCUBE, SIGMA (KHUSAT 3), ROBUSTA 1B, skCUBE, STEP Cube Lab, Suchai)
Gee, there's a ? next to it - maybe that means it's tentative?
India’s space agency ISRO plans to demonstrate docking technology some time next year, the agency’s Chairman, Kailasavadivoo Sivan, told BusinessLine today. Docking refers to connecting of two flying objects in space, so that men and materials can be transferred from one to the other.Two satellites will be sent to space on board a regular PSLV mission and the two would be made to dock with each other, Sivan said, describing the exercise as a technology demonstration experiment.
Additionally, I'm eager to learn more details about the overall mission in general, which will be another landmark milestone mission for ISRO in the development of another key technology for spaceflight - including even possibly for human spaceflight. Also, what are the existing examples and precedents for using orbital docking in non-HSF applications?
This technology will be a forerunner to future planetary missions including crew transfer, international participation et al, the document added.“The satellite will be ready by mid-year but then we have a lot of tests to be done. The experimental launch may happen towards the end of this year,” Sivan added.
QuoteGOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 426 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024426. SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: that the details of the India's space programmes and missions to be launched in the year 2024? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): *** Following are the space programmes & missions planned in the year 2024. i. Three PSLV missions, two of which are technology demonstration missions (TDS-01 & SPADEX) and one dedicated commercial mission for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) ii. One GSLV mission to launch NVS-02 Navigation Satellite iii. One SSLV mission, to launch a technology demonstration Satellite (EOS-08). iv. First unmanned flight under Gaganyaan Programme (HLVM3-G1) [...]
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 426 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024426. SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: that the details of the India's space programmes and missions to be launched in the year 2024? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): *** Following are the space programmes & missions planned in the year 2024. i. Three PSLV missions, two of which are technology demonstration missions (TDS-01 & SPADEX) and one dedicated commercial mission for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) ii. One GSLV mission to launch NVS-02 Navigation Satellite iii. One SSLV mission, to launch a technology demonstration Satellite (EOS-08). iv. First unmanned flight under Gaganyaan Programme (HLVM3-G1) [...]
IN-SPACe launch manifesto has been released:QuoteQ4 FY 2023-24: (1 January 2024 - 30 March 2024)✅ PSLV C58 / ISRO Payload (XPoSat) + POEM-3 with 9 payloads✅ GSLV F14 / ISRO Payload (Insat-3DS)✅ AGNIBAAN-SORTeD (Suborbital mission)- SSLV D3 / ISRO Primary Payload, Space Rickshaw & IITMSatFY 2024-25 Commercial Missions:Q1: (1 April 2024 - 30 June 2024)- PSLV C59 / NSIL Primary Payload, SCOT, CGUSAT, LEAP-1- VIKRAM-1: TBDQ2: (1 July 2024 - 30 September 2024)- LVM3 M5 / NSIL Payload- VIKRAM-1: TBDQ3: (1 October 2024 - 31 December 2024)- PSLV C62 / PROBA-3- PSLV N1 / TDS-01- SSLV S1 / TBD, PARIKSHIT- VIKRAM-1: TBD- AGNIBAAN: TBDQ4: (1 January 2025 - 30 March 2025)- PSLV N2 / TBD, Aadyah, DRISHTI, Sanskardhaam, DS P30- SSLV S2 / TBD, Azista60°- VIKRAM-1: TBD- AGNIBAAN: TBDFY 2024-25 ISRO/User-funded Missions: (No specific quarters given)- PSLV C60 / ISRO Payload + POEM-4- GSLV F15 / ISRO Payload- PSLV C61 / ISRO Payload- GSLV F16 / ISRO Payload- PSLV C63 / ISRO Payloads- GSLV F17 / ISRO PayloadNote:[...]- In addition, seven test launches pertaining to Gaganyaan are also scheduled during the period.[...]
Q4 FY 2023-24: (1 January 2024 - 30 March 2024)✅ PSLV C58 / ISRO Payload (XPoSat) + POEM-3 with 9 payloads✅ GSLV F14 / ISRO Payload (Insat-3DS)✅ AGNIBAAN-SORTeD (Suborbital mission)- SSLV D3 / ISRO Primary Payload, Space Rickshaw & IITMSatFY 2024-25 Commercial Missions:Q1: (1 April 2024 - 30 June 2024)- PSLV C59 / NSIL Primary Payload, SCOT, CGUSAT, LEAP-1- VIKRAM-1: TBDQ2: (1 July 2024 - 30 September 2024)- LVM3 M5 / NSIL Payload- VIKRAM-1: TBDQ3: (1 October 2024 - 31 December 2024)- PSLV C62 / PROBA-3- PSLV N1 / TDS-01- SSLV S1 / TBD, PARIKSHIT- VIKRAM-1: TBD- AGNIBAAN: TBDQ4: (1 January 2025 - 30 March 2025)- PSLV N2 / TBD, Aadyah, DRISHTI, Sanskardhaam, DS P30- SSLV S2 / TBD, Azista60°- VIKRAM-1: TBD- AGNIBAAN: TBDFY 2024-25 ISRO/User-funded Missions: (No specific quarters given)- PSLV C60 / ISRO Payload + POEM-4- GSLV F15 / ISRO Payload- PSLV C61 / ISRO Payload- GSLV F16 / ISRO Payload- PSLV C63 / ISRO Payloads- GSLV F17 / ISRO PayloadNote:[...]- In addition, seven test launches pertaining to Gaganyaan are also scheduled during the period.[...]
Chandrayaan-4 was one of the four key projects the Union Cabinet approved on Wednesday, at a total outlay of over Rs 22,000 crore. It is aimed at demonstrating capabilities of lunar landing and return to Earth, and collecting moon samples for their analysis on earth. The ISRO Chairman said SPADEX (space docking experiment), scheduled later this year, would demonstrate ISRO’s ability to apply the docking technology.
…Currently Spadex satellites are under integration. It will be completed in a month’s time. Then it will go for full-fledged testing, demonstration of simulation and everything. We’re hoping to have a launch before Dec 15.”
ISRO gears up for 'Space handshake' SPADEX; private firm delivers two satellitesOct 18, 2024The Indian Space agency has taken possession of two 400kg satellites that are part of a crucial upcoming mission known as SPADEX – Space Docking Experiment. As part of this mission, these two satellites will be hurled into slightly different orbits by a single rocket. [...]Ananth Technologies Private Limited (ATL), completed the integration of two 400kg satellites for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and handed them over at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, the facility meant for designing and developing satellites.ISRO always builds their satellites at the URSC, but this is the first time that ISRO is getting their satellites completely assembled, integrated and tested by the Indian private industry at a private facility. This shift is enabled by the space sector reforms that grant greater opportunities to the Indian private sector.[...] The assembly, integration and testing of the satellites were done at our Bengaluru facility in a record three months, the ISRO scientist-turned-entrepreneur told WION. [...]Given that the satellites have been delivered to the URSC, they would soon be trucked to the Indian Spaceport at Sriharikota, from where they could be further tested, fuelled, and launched in the coming months.
"Our current date for Spadex is Dec 20,” Somanath confirmed to TOI.
TakeMe2Space set to launch India's first AI laboratory in spaceNov 26 2024TakeMe2Space, a space technology firm based in Hyderabad, has announced the forthcoming launch of MOI-TD (My Orbital Infrastructure - Technology Demonstrator), India's first AI lab in space. The mission will demonstrate real-time data processing in orbit, making space research more affordable and accessible. The launch is scheduled for mid-December 2024 aboard ISRO's PSLV C60 launch vehicle.[...]
Today, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, we're thrilled to announce the successful flag-off of our first SAR satellite mission, Varuna!This cutting-edge technology was indigenously designed and developed in India in record time - less than a year! - by our rockstar team at PierSight led by Vinit Bansal. [...]Varuna will be launched using the PSLV-C60 launch vehicle!
NextSpaceflight, updated December 6:Launch NET December 26No mention yet of the number of PSLV solid rocket boosters.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is likely to conduct the much-awaited Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) on December 26, sources said on Thursday. ISRO Chairman S Somanath, soon after the successful launch of European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission on Thursday, said the next launch would be PSLV-C60 which will demonstrate SPADEX.“The rocket is ready now and we are waiting for the final phase of testing and activities,” he said. The mission is to demonstrate India’s capability to autonomously dock two spacecraft in orbit, a complex procedure mastered by only a few nations, including the United States, Russia, and China. This experiment is crucial for ISRO’s ambitions in interplanetary missions, human spaceflight, and the establishment of the space station....
A3844/24 NOTAMNQ) VOMF/QWMLW/IV/BO/W/000/999/A) VOMF PART 1 OF 2 B) 2412301600 C) 2501132000D) 1600-2000E) ROCKET LAUNCH FM SHAR RANGE, SRIHARIKOTA WILL TAKE PLACE AS PER FLW DETAILS.THE LAUNCH WILL BE ON ANY ONE OF THE DAY DRG THIS PERIOD.ACTUAL DATE OF LAUNCH WILL BE INTIMATED 24 HR IN ADVANCETHROUGH A SEPARATE NOTAM.LAUNCH PAD COORD: 134400N 0801406ENO FLT IS PERMITTED OVER THE DNG ZONES.DANGER ZONE -1: CIRCLE OF 10NM AROUND THE LAUNCHER.DANGER ZONE 2: AREA BOUNDED WI FLW COORD: 121000N0812000E-124000N0814500E-114500N0823500E-111500N0821000E-121000N0812000EDANGER ZONE 3: AREA BOUNDED WI FLW COORD:092500N0835000E-095500N0842000E-085500N0851500E-084542N0850542E-091047N0840301E-092500N0835000ERTE AFFECTED IN CHENNAI FIR:W20, Q24, Q23, V4, V9, Q11, B466, V3, V6, V8, P574, N563, L896, P762, N564[...]
🚀 SpaDeX Mission: A Leap Towards India's Space Ambitions 🌌ISRO’s SpaDeX mission, launching with PSLV-C60, will demonstrate in-space docking using two small spacecraft. This groundbreaking technology is key to future lunar missions, building Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and more.India aims to join the elite club of nations with space docking capabilities.🔗 Learn more: https://isro.gov.in/mission_SpaDeX.html#ISRO #SpaDeX #SpaceExploration
🚀 PSLV-C60/SPADEX Update:The launch vehicle has been integrated and now moved to the First Launch Pad, for further integration of satellites and launch preparations.Stay tuned for updates on #PSLV-C60 and watch this space for exciting info on the upcoming PSLV-C60/SPADEX mission! 🌌🔗 For photos: https://isro.gov.in/mission_spadex_Gallery.html🔗 For Information:https://isro.gov.in/mission_SpaDeX.html#ISRO #SpaDeX #SpaceExploration
🛰 PSLV-C60/SPADEX Mission Update 🛰🚀 Launch scheduled on 30th December 2024, 21:58 IST from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.👀 Witness the launch live at the Launch View Gallery!🔗 Register here: https://lvg.shar.gov.in/VSCREGISTRATION/index.jspRegistration starts: 23rd December 2024, 18:00 IST.#ISRO #PSLVC60 #SpaceUpdates
🚀 Enjoy the fast time-lapse video!PSLV-C60, fully integrated up to PS4 at the PIF facility for the first time, was moved to the MST at the First Launch Pad—over 3 hours captured in just a few seconds. 🛰️#ISRO #PSLVC60 #SPADEX
PSLV-C60/SpaDeX Mission Update:📷 Integration Milestone! SpaDeX satellites have been successfully integrated with PSLV-C60 at SDSC SHAR. A step closer to liftoff!Stay tuned for more updates.#ISRO #SpaDeX
🎉 Launch Day is Here! 🚀Tonight at precisely 10:00:15 PM, PSLV-C60 with SpaDeX and innovative payloads are set for liftoff.SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) is a pioneering mission to establish India's capability in orbital docking, a key technology for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing missions.🕘 Liftoff: 30 Dec, 10:00:15 PM (22:00:15 hours)Stay tuned for updates!🎥 Watch live: https://youtube.com/live/_OBGAiJrjJU (from 21:30 hours)📖 More info: https://isro.gov.in/mission_SpaDeX.html#SpaDeX #ISRO 🚀📍 @DrJitendraSingh
ISRO's PSLV rocket is set to launch a space docking experiment - a critical mission for India’s upcoming Chandrayaan-4 human spaceflight campaign. The mission will demonstrate the technology to rendezvous, dock, and undock in orbit.By Martin Smith:
ISRO PSLV launch of Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) from the First Launch Pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India.Overview:https://nasaspaceflight.com/2024/12/spadex-launch/ISRO livestream:https://youtube.com/watch?v=_OBGAiJrjJU
First NOTAM is out, scheduled for NET December 30th between 16:00 and 20:00 UTCQuoteA3844/24 NOTAMNQ) VOMF/QWMLW/IV/BO/W/000/999/A) VOMF PART 1 OF 2 B) 2412301600 C) 2501132000D) 1600-2000E) ROCKET LAUNCH FM SHAR RANGE, SRIHARIKOTA WILL TAKE PLACE AS PER FLW DETAILS.THE LAUNCH WILL BE ON ANY ONE OF THE DAY DRG THIS PERIOD.ACTUAL DATE OF LAUNCH WILL BE INTIMATED 24 HR IN ADVANCETHROUGH A SEPARATE NOTAM.LAUNCH PAD COORD: 134400N 0801406ENO FLT IS PERMITTED OVER THE DNG ZONES.DANGER ZONE -1: CIRCLE OF 10NM AROUND THE LAUNCHER.DANGER ZONE 2: AREA BOUNDED WI FLW COORD: 121000N0812000E-124000N0814500E-114500N0823500E-111500N0821000E-121000N0812000EDANGER ZONE 3: AREA BOUNDED WI FLW COORD:092500N0835000E-095500N0842000E-085500N0851500E-084542N0850542E-091047N0840301E-092500N0835000ERTE AFFECTED IN CHENNAI FIR:W20, Q24, Q23, V4, V9, Q11, B466, V3, V6, V8, P574, N563, L896, P762, N564[...]
SRI SAIDATTA @nssdatta🇮🇳ISRO’s Presentation on SpaDEx Includes Testing, integration of the spacecraft’s & also PSLV integration
SRI SAIDATTA @nssdatta🇮🇳 PSLV-C60 / SpaDEx Integration Video (full)
s2a systems @s2a_systemsLow elevation pass of the @isro Space Docking Experiment SpaDeX A and SpaDeX B. Recorded today, 2024-12-31, between 05:27:10 and 05:27:20 UTC from the South American site.
PierSight @piersightspaceRelive Varuna's launch from our perspective—in under a minute 🔥(Pro tip: Wear earphones for the best experience!)This is a moment that will stay in our hearts for years to come. And now, it’s yours to cherish too.#PSLVC60 #ISRO #SpaDeX
SRI SAIDATTA @nssdattaPSLV-C60 lift off & onboard Views
SRO @isroSlow-motion liftoff and onboard views! 🚀✨SpaDeX’s historic mission onboard PSLV-C60 delivers breathtaking visuals, showcasing India’s strides in space exploration. 🌌🛰️📖 More info: https://isro.gov.in/mission_SpaDeX.html#SpaDeX #ISRO 🚀📍 @DrJitendraSingh
#Update #SpaceWe’ve all watched the #SpaDeX launch. Docking (nominally) is scheduled for Jan 7 after the two satellites perform a carefully choreographed orbital dance before attempting to dock with each other. In this thread, let’s see how Isro plans to do it. 1/nPic: Isro“Launch has given a small difference in velocity between sats. At 10m/s rate, this distance will grow and sats will grow apart by about 20km,” M Sankaran, director, URSC, said, explaining the intricate sequence of events that will unfold over the next week. 2/nOnce satellites reach this separation, Isro will begin controlling their relative positions. “We’ll start using the onboard propulsion systems on one of the two satellites to arrest the drift so that we maintain the 20km distance between the two satellites,” said Sankaran. 3/nAnd like twins, the satellites will be going around in the same orbit with the same speed. The mission timeline includes a four-day waiting period to achieve optimal solar orientation, crucial for generating sufficient power during the docking procedure. 4/n“At this point again, we will initiate the drift of the two satellites. So that the 20km distance is progressively reduced to 5km, 1.5km and so on… 5/n…And after we reach 5km, we’ll enable the inter-satellite RF link so that the satellites talk to each other and exchange their own position, attitude, etc, which’ll enable us to evaluate the software logics,” Sankaran said. 6/nSeveral new sensors developed by Isro’s LEOS in Bengaluru will be evaluated for their fitness for initiating the docking sequence, which will start once the inter-satellite distance is reduced to 1.5km, utilising three different guidance algorithms. 7/nThe docking mechanism involves a “hugging” action. “The final approach will be particularly delicate. With a constant velocity of about 10mm/s, the chaser satellite will go and enter into the target satellite… 8/n…The latches will be released and clamps on both sides will try to grab each of the satellites,” Sankaran added. 9/n...And once they hold each other together, the ring which has been extended on the chaser satellite will be retracted so that the target satellite will be pulled towards the chaser satellite and the two will become as a single unit. 10/nOnce docked, the satellites will demonstrate power transfer capabilities, with electricity flowing from one satellite to the other to power a heater, confirming successful connection. 11/nThe combined unit will then be controlled by a single satellite's control system, demonstrating technology crucial for future space station operations, including India’s planned Bharati Antriksh station. 12/nThe SpaDeX mission represents a long journey from concept to reality. “This work, as a thought experiment, started around 1989 and at the time, nobody thought that this was required for us, but the tenacity was there… 13/n…When the project was approved in 2016, we were able to realise it over several years,” Sankaran said. 14/nThe mission has required extensive preparation and testing. Isro developed several testbeds to validate the mechanism as well as the docking sequence, the sensors, etc. It has been a combined effort of so many people across Isro centres and the industry,” noted Sankaran. n/n
s2a systems @s2a_systemsToday’s SpaDeX A and SpaDeX B, over the Indian Ocean. Recorded from Australia on 2025-01-02 at 15:24:11 UTC.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsToday’s SpaDeX A and SpaDeX B, while flying over Europe. Recorded on 2025-01-01 at 16:53:39 UTC.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsThis morning's low elevation pass of SpaDeX A and SpaDeX B, over South America. Recorded 2025-01-04 at 04:59:29 UTC. The estimated distance between the two spacecraft was about 1.9 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systems SpaDeX A and SpaDeX B, recorded this evening, 2025-01-03 at 17:27:31 UTC over Europe. The estimated distance is a bit over 2 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsThis morning's low elevation pass of SpaDeX A and SpaDeX B, over South America. Recorded on 2025-01-03 at 05:29:58 UTC.
ISRO InSight @ISROSightVideo Monitor Camera onboard #SpaDeX chaser captures an in-orbit space selfie video!🤳🏻#ISRO
The SpaDeX Docking scheduled on 7th is now postponed to 9th. The docking process requires further validation through ground simulations based on an abort scenario identified today.Stay tuned for updates.
Demonstrating tethered debris capture in space using visual servoing, motion prediction, and a parallel end-effector for precise manipulation. 🚀 #SpaceTech #Robotics #ISRO
s2a systems @s2a_systemsThis morning's SpaDeX A and SpaDeX B over South America. Recorded on 2025-01-07 at 03:25:20 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft: about 2.1 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A and SpaDeX B, over the Indian Ocean. Recorded from Australia on 2025-01-06 at 14:57:47 UTC. The estimated distance between the two satellites is about 2.9 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A and SpaDeX B over South America. Recorded on 2025-01-06 at 03:58:42 UTC. Distance: about 4 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsA short gap in the clouds allowed a view of tonight's second pass over central Europe. SpaDeX A and SpaDeX B were about 1.8 km apart on 2025-01-05 at 18:05:07 UTC.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsWe are currently experiencing a lot of bad weather at our sites, but here we are again with SpaDeX A and SpaDeX B from South America. Recorded on 2025-01-05 at 04:28:42 UTC. The estimated distance between the two spacecraft is still about 2 km.
🛰️🛰️ Watch the SpaDeX Docking Event Programme.📅 Date: 9th January 2025⏰ Time: 8:00 AM onwards🌐 Watch live: youtube.com/live/UCs1UWAo2I0#ISRO #SpaDeX #SpaceTechnology
s2a systems @s2a_systemsThe two SpaDeX satellites, taken during the first visible pass over our South American site tonight from 01:16:23 - 01:16:53 UTC.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsThis morning's SpaDeX A and SpaDeX B over South America. Recorded on 2025-01-08 at 02:53:10 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft: about 1 km.
2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A and SpaDeX B, over Australia. Recorded today, 2025-01-07 at 12:49:08 UTC. The estimated distance between the two spacecraft remains at about 2 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSecond visible SpaDeX pass over Australia. Recorded 2025-01-08 at 12:18:24 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft: about 400 m.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsWe must take into account that this very simple method greatly simplifies a three-dimensional system. The real distance is likely to be somewhat greater if the spatial depth is also taken into account. And at these short distances, this now has a noticeable impact. We will in reality probably be closer to 500 m distance if we also take this into account. If the weather permits, we will try to measure again at maximum elevation on the next pass to somewhat reduce this effect.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsAnd the last SpaDeX image from South America from this night. Recorded today, 2025-01-08 at dawn at 09:29:20 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft: about 600 m
s2a systems @s2a_systemsTonight’s SpaDeX from South America at 2025-01-09, 00:44:42 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation: about 6.7 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A and SpaDeX B over Tasmania, our first check after the postponement of the docking maneuver. Taken on 2025-01-08 at 18:52:58 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation: about 5 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsToday’s SpaDeX pass over Australia. Recorded on 2025-01-09, 11:46:09 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation was about 4.6 km.Two light curves generated last night during the pass over South America between 02:19 and 02:17 UTC indicate that attitude control is intact for both satellites, which is consistent with the latest ISRO communication on X stating that the satellites are safe.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A and B on 2025-01-10, 08:29:20 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft: about 1.5 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A and B on 2025-01-10, 00:13:44 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft: about 4.6 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A and B on 2025-01-10, 11:14:43 UTC during a high elevation pass over Australia. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation: about 1.5 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsThe last SpaDeX image from Australia for today. The distance between the two satellites at 19:29:33 UTC was still about 1.5 km, which is consistent with the latest ISRO message on X:
ISRO @isroSpaDeX Docking Update:Spacecrafts are at a distance of 1.5 km and on hold mode. Further drift to 500 m is planned to be achieved by tomorrow morning.#SPADEX #ISRO
s2a systems @s2a_systemsDuring the last low altitude pass over Australia today, 2025-01-10 at 17:48 UTC, we were unable to take a maximum elevation measurement due to the local horizon. However, the two SpaDeX satellites were still separated and we estimate that the distance between the two was still in the range of about 1.5 km. And for the statistics: During the pass at 12:52 UTC, the distance measured at maximum elevation was 1.5 km as well.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & B, today 2025-01-11 at 17:17:26 UTC during the low elevation pass over Australia. The estimated distance between the two satellites based on our measurement corresponds to the 230 m that ISRO stated in its latest X post. A more accurate measurement will be possible during the next pass at 18:58 UTC, if the weather permits.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsThe last SpaDeX update from South America for today. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft: ~400 m. Recorded at 2025-01-11, 09:36:05 UTC.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsThis morning's SpaDeX update from South America. The estimated distance between the two spacecraft is ~500 m. Recorded at 2025-01-11, 07:59:08 UTC.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsTonight’s SpaDeX update from South America. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation at 2025-01-11, 01:20:12 UTC: about 1.1 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsThe latest SpaDeX image from South America. The distance between the two satellites on 2025-01-12 at 07:26:17 UTC was about 4.3 km. So the satellites are back at safe distance, as stated by ISRO in their recent post:
ISRO @isroSpaDeX Docking Update:A trial attempt to reach up to 15 m and further to 3 m is done.Moving back spacecrafts to safe distanceThe docking process will be done after analysing data further. Stay tuned for updates.#SpaDeX #ISRO
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & B, today 2025-01-12 at 00:48:58 UTC over South America. It's really pushing the limits of our astrograph's resolving power, but we can confirm the ~15 m ISD from the latest ISRO post.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsAnd since we have so far provided somewhat one-sided coverage of Launch 2024-253, here the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-4 (POEM-4) on 2025-01-12, 17:55:35, above Australia.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & B on 2025-01-12, 18:27:02 UTC over Australia. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation: ~10.9 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & B on 2025-01-12, 11:50:29 UTC over Australia. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation: ~8.4 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & B on 2025-01-12, 10:12:31 UTC during this evening’s high elevation pass over Australia. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation: ~7.0 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & B on 2025-01-13, 08:33:51 UTC over South America. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation: ~2.6 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsThe last SpaDeX update from South America for today. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft: ~1.5 km. Recorded at 2025-01-14, 09:38:47 UTC.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsWe were lucky with the weather: SpaDeX A & B on 2025-01-14, 08:02:46 UTC during this morning’s high elevation pass over South America. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft: ~1.5 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & SpaDeX B on 2025-01-13, 17:55:56 UTC during this evening’s high elevation pass over Australia. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft near max elevation: ~1.6 km.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX low elevation pass over South America. The estimated distance between the two spacecraft is approximately 1.2 km. Recorded on 2025-01-15 at 00:53:35 UTC
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & B over South America on 2025-01-15 at 07:31:29 UTC. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft: ~900m.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsUnfortunately, the observatory could not be opened due to strong winds. The next observable pass will be at 00:22 UTC over South America. The weather forecast is not yet clear. The weather should improve at all sites in the coming days. But visibility will deteriorate due to the Earth's shadow, so the number of usable overflights will be considerably reduced.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsThe station in South America is also closed for the night due to bad weather. Unfortunately, this means that we will not be able to observe SPADEX during the night.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsFinally good weather again: SpaDeX A & B on 2025-01-16 at 16:18:53 UTC over Australia. Estimated distance between the two spacecraft: ~0 m :-).Congratulations to ISRO's SpaDeX team for the successful docking!Although we missed the docking due to weather conditions in the end, we hope we were able to contribute to visualizing this exciting process.We would like to thank you for all the motivating and engaging feedback and comments here on X. It's really a great space community here.Your s2a-team
Curious. On what grounds is India claiming to be fourth here? Did they forget about the European ATV and the Japanese ETS-VII flights, both of which demonstrated in-space docking before this?
On the grounds of an IDSS-like docking system. ATV used the Russian KURS probe system, and the ETS-VII was not docking, but berthing with an arm and Capture Claws and towel bars, similar to Hubble.
Docking time seems to be 19:19 UTC on Jan. 15Source: https://x.com/isro/status/1880277647391137947
#update #space #exclusive@isro is preparing for additional docking attempts with its recently (Jan 16) linked satellites, focusing on achieving greater precision in its automated docking capabilities. (details in thread). 1/nPics: Collage of Isro Released ImagesM Sankaran, director, URSC, which spearheaded #SpaDeX said Isro is conducting detailed assessments of the docking accuracy before proceeding with the next phase of experiments. 2/n“We have to gain more information about how accurately we have achieved this docking and how much more accuracy we can achieve,” Sankaran said, emphasising that the actual act of docking is just one aspect of the mission. 3/n“How accurately we are docking is important. We will make an assessment of how accurately we have docked and how much we can improve,” he said. 4/nAs part of the first experiment, the two 220-kg satellites had achieved a peak inter-satellite distance of 12.8km before Isro initiated a series of manoeuvres that eventually culminated in the Jan 16 docking. (Mission was launched Dec 30, Docking happened Jan 16). 5/nIsro employed a petal-based docking system, aligned with international standards including the International Docking System Standard (IDSS). 6/nOn whether the fuel remaining on the satellites were sufficient to carry out more docking attempts, Sankaran said that for the upcoming trials, Isro plans to separate the satellites by shorter distances, potentially not exceeding 100 metres, unlike the initial approach. 7/n"Fuel consumption won’t be a constraint for these experiments, as the focus will be on perfecting the final approach and docking mechanism rather than long-range maneuvers,” Sankaran said. 8/nSuccess of these ops relies on a sophisticated array of 5 different types of sensors, each activated at specific ranges. These sensors, which were evaluated at each step in the run-up to Jan 16 docking, are crucial to both the rendezvous and the eventual docking. 9/nThe Proximity and Docking Sensor (PDS) becomes operational from 20 meters, while other sensors work at varying distances – some at long range, others at 200 meters, and some specifically for close proximity operations. 10/nThe final phase of docking involves specialised mechanism entry sensors that detect when one satellite’s petals enter the other satellite's mechanism. 11/n“...After it enters, we have to trigger mechanisms to grab the satellite. Once it is entered, it should get trapped there. It should not go out,” Sankaran explained. 12/nCurrently, Isro’s team is analysing data from the Jan 16 docking & running simulations to prep for the next attempt. While the exact timeline for sat separation remains under review, Sankaran indicated it would take “a few days” as they carefully evaluate their options. 13/nThe decision to activate the satellites’ payloads between docking attempts remains flexible. “If we can do what we want to do immediately, we will do those things and then turn on the payload later… 14/n…If that is going to take time, then we will turn on the payload and go ahead with the other observations. When we are ready, we will do the docking experiment again,” he added. 15/nAs I’ve reported, the Jan 16 docking achieved by Isro was the 1st step towards mastering the tech, which will have to be done multiple times in different configurations, before Isro could confidently use it for future missions like #Chandrayaan4 & the space station. n/n
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & B during two passes over Europe, today 2025-01-21 at 04:53:10 UTC and 06:29:40 UTC. So far we do not see any undocking @r_isro
s2a systems @s2a_systemsChallenging observation conditions for the SpaDeX satellites at the moment. Captured here today 2025-01-22 at 03:49:31 UTC over South America at an elevation of 5.3 degrees, ~10 seconds before entering the earth's shadow.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & B during the pass over Australia, today 2025-01-25 at 13:14:44 UTC.
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & B during today’s pass over South America, 2025-01-27, 02:49:37 UTC. Nothing new as far as it looks.
Moderator:Please post the telescopic views of satellites in the corresponding and correct threads.
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 02/01/2025 08:33 pmModerator:Please post the telescopic views of satellites in the corresponding and correct threads.Let make such a thread!
s2a systems @s2a_systemsSpaDeX A & B during today’s pass over South America, 2025-02-02, 01:19:06 UTC.
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 02/01/2025 08:33 pmModerator:Please post the telescopic views of satellites in the corresponding and correct threads.The threads exist, it's just a matter of distributing the tweets in their correct locations and not batch-posting everything here...
Quote from: eeergo on 02/03/2025 09:47 amQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 02/01/2025 08:33 pmModerator:Please post the telescopic views of satellites in the corresponding and correct threads.The threads exist, it's just a matter of distributing the tweets in their correct locations and not batch-posting everything here...Where? Thanks
Quote from: SMS on 02/09/2025 05:37 amWhere? ThanksEach orbital launch, and therefore, payload, has its own launch thread within this forum.Post the telescopic views of satellites in the corresponding and correct launch threads.Thank you.
Where? Thanks
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 02/10/2025 02:13 amQuote from: SMS on 02/09/2025 05:37 amWhere? ThanksEach orbital launch, and therefore, payload, has its own launch thread within this forum.Post the telescopic views of satellites in the corresponding and correct launch threads.Thank you.@zubenelgenubi:Give the exact link for this launch to me. Thank you!
Each time I see blue characters, and hence a new message in this thread, I am earnestly hoping it is to report good news on undocking of the Spadex satellites. Alas... -:)
"Currently, the unified satellite is in an elliptical orbit. So, we get a 10-15 days window once in two months to conduct various experiments," ISRO Chairman V Narayanan told PTI on the sidelines of the National Science Day celebrations here."Right now, we are doing simulation experiments for separation of satellites and re-docking them. We have charted out a plan and will start the actual experiments from March 15," Narayanan said.Ahead of the mission's launch, the ISRO had said after successful docking and rigidization, it planned to demonstrate electrical power transfer between the two satellites before undocking and separation."We want to do multiple experiments. There is a lot of propellant onboard. We also have experiments lined up for the third slot that would be available after two months," Narayanan said.
Isro, which recently undocked the two satellites part of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on March 13, has successfully completed another experiment — the “rolling” or “rotating” experiment — which involved circumnavigation of one of the satellites and bringing it back to the same spot....Isro chairman V Narayanan confirmed to TOI that the experiment was carried out last week [week of Mar 21], and said: “We’ve completed the rolling experiment. The satellites have a lot of propellant… I have only told [the teams] one thing, please do everything [on] simulation on ground [first]. Let us be very careful. Let us not make any mistakes as a wealth of data can be generated [through various experiments]....During the whole time, the satellite performing the experiment was in the line of vision of the other satellite. The experiment was to help Isro validate its control over satellite manoeuvring from ground — that means a slew of softwares, sensors, positioning tech etc. There is no immediate confirmation if the satellite did the circumnavigation (do the full circle) horizontally or vertically (somersault)....With a lot of fuel left in the satellite, Isro is expected to carry out more experiments. Afterall, SpaDex is an experimental mission and Isro is hoping to make the most of it. Also, once the next docking is complete, there will be another attempt to do power transfer between the satellites, learning from which — some lessons have already been learnt from the first attempt — will be crucial for future mission design and development.
On the flip side, there was one crucial experiment in the SpaDeX mission - to transfer electrical power from one satellite to the other - that was not completed in the first round of docking, ISRO chief Dr V Narayanan confirmed...."In the first attempt there was a suspicion of a minor mis-alignment of the power transfer ports (and) hence this was postponed to the next round," Dr Narayanan confirmed.
On December 30, 2024, ISRO’s PSLV-C60 launched twin SPADEX satellites and after injecting satellites at 475 km altitude, the specially configured upper stage (PS4) of PSLV-C60 (called PSLV Orbital Experimental Module in short POEM-4) was also almost in the same orbit. Subsequently, POEM-4 was de-orbited by engine restarts to a nearly circular orbit at 350 km altitude with 55.2 degree inclination. PS4 was then passivated by venting the leftover fuel to minimise any potential risk for accidental break-up. During its mission life, POEM-4 hosted altogether 24 payloads (14 payloads from ISRO and 10 from various NGEs) and all payloads worked as expected yielding valuable science data.While the POEM-4 was in orbit, it was continuously tracked by ISRO’s Radar Facilities and United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) facilities as well. The tracking data was in turn utilised in the re-entry prediction process. It was observed that POEM-4’s orbit had decayed to 174 km x165 km and the platform was predicted to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere on April 04, 2025.The atmospheric re-entry event of POEM-4 was then closely monitored by ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM) and regular updates in predictions were made. Finally, the POEM-4 module re-entered the atmosphere and impacted at 02:33 UTC (08:03 IST), April 04, 2025, in the Indian Ocean. The safe re-entry of POEM-4 is yet another accomplishment to ISRO’s commitment to contain the growth of space debris, reaffirming the prominent role of ISRO in the long-term sustainability of outer space environment and Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM).
#ISRO SPADEX Update:Glad to inform that the second docking of satellites has been accomplished successfully.As informed earlier, the PSLV-C60 / SPADEX mission was successfully launched on 30 December 2024. Thereafter the satellites were successfully docked for the first time on 16 January 2025 at 06:20 AM and successfully undocked on 13 March 2025 at 09:20 AM. Further experiments are planned in the next two weeks.
In the SPADEX mission, India has already "successfully demonstrated docking and undocking twice over", ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan told NDTV.After these extended docking and undocking maneuvers, the ISRO chief said, there was still 50% of the fuel left on the two satellites.A precision rocket launch and frugal orbital management has left the two satellites with nearly 2.5 kilograms of fuel each, said the ISRO chief, adding that this helps extend the mission life.
After successfully demonstrating space docking this year, Isro chairman V Narayanan said the agency is planning to conduct a second phase of space-docking experiment, which will pave the way for setting up India's own space station, Bharatiya Antariksha Station. Narayanan said space-docking experiments involving two satellites launched by a PSLV rocket in Dec were successful and Isro was planning SpaDeX-2. A proposal on this second phase will be presented to govt soon, he said. SpaDeX-2 may be launched in the coming three years, subject to govt approval.
“Docking in a circular orbit is much easier than docking in an elliptical orbit. This is because the trajectory and velocity of the satellites remain constant in a circular orbit, whereas they keep changing on an elliptical orbit. What this essentially means is that calculations done for one point will not be relevant after a few minutes,” said a scientist in the know of the matter. “This is, however, what the SpaDeX 2 experiment will attempt.”This capability is likely to play a vital role in future missions, such as Chandrayaan-4, where multiple modules may be launched separately, and docking and undocking will be required in both Earth and lunar orbits.
