PSLV-CA | SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment)
PSLV-CA launched the SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission for Indian Space Research Organization from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India on Dec 30, 2024 (UTC).
Launch pad
Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad · Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India
PSLV-CA | SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment)
Launched Dec 31, 2024 1:30:15 AMSuccess
Flight direction
90° E
orbit unknown: due east assumed
Flight path
First-stage drop zone (rough estimate)
Drawn 400–700 km downrange along the flight direction. Official hazard areas are published as NOTAMs and navigational warnings.
About the mission
SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) is an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) technology mission to demonstrate autonomous docking between 2 spacecraft in orbit. The mission will involve two spacecraft (Chaser and Target) rendezvous and docking together, plus testing attitude control of the combined spacecraft under docked conditions. The Chaser and Target spacecraft will then be separated for operating other payload. The mission is critical to develop rendezvous and docking abilities for ISRO’s future human spaceflight and lunar sample return missions.
Mission description from Launch Library 2.
- Launch time (your time zone)
- Tue, Dec 31 · 1:30:15 AM
- Status
- Success
- Launch provider
- Indian Space Research Organization
- Rocket
- PSLV-CA
- Mission type
- Technology
- Target orbit
- LEO
- Launch pad
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad · Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India