SDX01 (chaser) and SDX02 (target), two tiny satellites weighing 220 kg each, were launched into orbit by ISRO. Anant Technologies Limited (ATL) integrated and tested these satellites.
Just before the new year, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) accomplished a significant triumph. India made significant progress on Monday night toward learning the space-docking method, which connects two spacecraft. In addition to this, another noteworthy accomplishment has been made. In actuality, ISRO engineers assisted in the preparation of these spacecraft for the first time.
Let us tell you, ISRO launched two small satellites, named SDX01 (the chaser) and SDX02 (the target), into orbit. Together, they weighed 220 kg. Anant Technologies Limited (ATL), which has been involved in numerous ISRO projects over the past few years, integrated and tested these satellites.
India moves ahead in Spadex mission
Just after 10 p.m., a PSLV-C60 rocket from the Sriharikota space center launched the satellites as part of the Space Docking Experiment (Spadex) mission. They were placed in a 475-kilometer circular orbit about fifteen minutes later. After launch, the first satellite broke apart 15.1 minutes in, and the second 15.2 minutes later.
The UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) director, M Shankaran, stated that up until now, the sector has not produced any sizable satellites on its own. Both satellites have never been integrated and tested in the industry before. He referred to the launch as an industry first. He added, “We hope that this will be the first of many such satellites built by the industry on its own.
ATL is located in Bangalore
The satellites were assembled, integrated, and tested (AIT) at ATL’s brand-new, cutting-edge facility located in Bengaluru’s KIADB Aerospace Park. This 10,000 square meter facility has the capacity to concurrently integrate up to four large satellites and build electronic subsystems. India’s space exploration goals, which include assisting human space flight, space exploration, and the upkeep, repair, and refueling of operational satellites, consider the Spadex mission to be a significant turning point.
What was said by the president of ATL
“Being a part of this historic mission demonstrates ATL’s commitment to India’s human space programme and our growing contribution from sub-system manufacturing to complete satellite and launch vehicle integration,” stated Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, Chairman and Managing Director of ATL.
It is anticipated that the two satellites will dock in the afternoon on January 7, 2023, making India the fourth nation to have mastered such sophisticated technology.