News: Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully showcased space docking.
About Space Docking
- Space docking is the process of joining two spacecraft in orbit.
- It involves bringing fast-moving spacecraft to the same orbital trajectory, moving them closer to one another either manually or autonomously, and finally locking them together mechanically.
- This ability is crucial for complex space missions, including assembling space stations, conducting crew exchanges, and delivering supplies.
Historical Context of Space Docking
- United States (1966): The first docking was achieved during NASA’s Gemini VIII mission, where the spacecraft docked with the Agena target vehicle.
- Soviet Union (1967): The USSR demonstrated the first uncrewed, automated docking between Kosmos 186 and Kosmos 188. This achievement underscored their engineering prowess during the space race.
- China (2011): China’s unmanned Shenzhou 8 spacecraft docked with the Tiangong 1 space laboratory. A year later, the nation achieved its first crewed docking with the Shenzhou 9 mission.
About Bharatiya Docking System (BDS)
Docking Mechanisms: The International Docking System Standard (IDSS), established in 2010, governs spacecraft docking with the International Space Station (ISS).
Indian Docking Mechanism:
- India employs an androgynous docking system, meaning identical systems are present on both the Chaser and Target satellites.
- Similar to IDSS but uses two motors instead of the 24 motors in the IDSS design.
- Advanced Sensors and Technology: Incorporates innovative sensors for precision measurements, including: Laser Range Finder, Rendezvous Sensor and Proximity and Docking Sensor
- These sensors facilitate accurate approach and docking processes.
- Navigation Processor: It features a new processor inspired by satellite navigation systems. Also, determines the relative position and velocity of the spacecraft.
- Autonomous Docking Development: It serves as a precursor to future autonomous docking systems. Also, aims to achieve docking without relying on satellite-based navigation data.
