Consider the following: 1. Sending an Indian astronaut to the moon 2. Sample return missions from the moon 3. Building and operating an Indian space station 4. Reducing the cost of satellite launches How many of the above are the significances of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission? |ForumIAS

[A] Only one

[B] Only two

[C] Only three

[D] All four

Answer: C

Notes:

Explanations –

Sending an Indian astronaut to the moon: SpaDeX demonstrates docking technology, which is crucial for assembling and supporting missions like Gaganyaan and future lunar exploration missions, including sending astronauts to the moon.
Sample return missions from the moon: The docking technology tested in SpaDeX is essential for modular spacecraft assembly and sample transfers, enabling future lunar sample return missions.
Building and operating an Indian space station: SpaDeX lays the groundwork for India’s planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station by validating technologies required for in-orbit servicing, modular assembly, and power transfer between docked spacecraft.
Reducing the cost of satellite launches: This is not a significance of SpaDeX. The mission focuses on demonstrating docking technology rather than cost reduction in satellite launches.