| |
WG3K > ANS 12.01.25 01:12l 21 Lines 3322 Bytes #121 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : ANS012.1
Read: GUEST
Subj: India Launches SpaDeX Satellites with Amateur Radio Experime
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<DB0ERF<DK0WUE<DK0WUE<VK5RSV<VK2RZ<KC9UHI<KA1VSC<WG3K
Sent: 250112/0008Z 12300@WG3K.#SMD.MD.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
India has launched the SpaDeX mission, designed to perform the country's first autonomous docking experiment in space. A Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) carried two SpaDeX satellites into orbit from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India on December 30, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. EST (1630 UTC). The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sees this mission as a step toward supporting future Moon missions and building a space station.
The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) consists of two 220-kilogram (485 pound) satellites, the Target and Chaser, which will test rendezvous and docking procedures. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath confirmed the satellites were placed in the correct orbit after launch. The first docking attempt is expected to occur in the next several days. The mission will assess the transfer of power between the docked spacecraft and evaluate dual-spacecraft control capabilities.
[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ISRO-SpaDeX-Satel...]
The SpaDeX mission will be India's first attempt at rendezvous and autonomously docking two spacecraft. [Credit: ISROhttps://www.isro.gov.in/]
In addition to the docking experiment, the mission includes the POEM-4 (PS4-Orbital Experimental Module), which carries 24 payloads. These include a robotic arm demonstration and a debris capture manipulator. The robotic arm will test mobility for tasks in orbit, while the debris capture manipulator will attempt to retrieve tethered objects in an effort to address space debris.
One of the payloads aboard POEM-4 is the BGS ARPIT, an amateur radio project developed by the SJC Institute of Technology, the Upagrah Amateur Radio Club (VU2URC), and AMSAT-India to support educational activities and celebrate India's 75th year of independence. This payload can transmit images via Slow Scan Television (SSTV), audio messages, and telemetry data on 145.870 MHz, and it also functions as an APRS digipeater on 145.825 MHz. Approved for IARU frequency coordination on December 22, 2024, BGS ARPIT completed its first SSTV transmission period on January 10th, with more trial periods sure to come soon.
[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AMSAT-INDIA-BGS-A...]https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AMSAT-INDIA-BGS-ARPIT.jpg
Watch for BGS ARPIT SSTV announcements from @nitin_vu2jekhttps://x.com/nitin_vu2jek on Xhttps://x.com/home. [Credit: SJC Institute of Technologyhttps://sjcit.ac.in/]
The autonomous docking technology tested in SpaDeX is crucial for ISRO's planned Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission, which aims to return samples from the Moon's south pole. Docking capabilities will enable the transfer of samples to a return capsule in lunar orbit. This technology is also essential for the assembly and operation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India's planned space station.
The SpaDeX mission includes payloads developed by ISRO and collaborators from universities and startups. The experiments focus on areas like satellite servicing, space debris management, and educational outreach. The mission serves as a platform to advance technologies needed for India's space exploration goals.
[ANS thanks the Tariq Malik, Space.comhttps://www.space.com/, and AMSAT-Indiahttps://x.com/amsatindia, for the above information]
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
