What is SpaDeX's Mission? 15 Quizzes

The SpaDeX mission represents a crucial step forward in India's ambitious space program. This cost-effective technology demonstrator mission, utilizing two small spacecraft launched by the powerful PSLV rocket, aims to showcase India's mastery of in-space docking technology. This critical capability is essential for realizing key objectives like the Indian Lunar Mission, returning lunar samples to Earth, and the construction and operation of the ambitious Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).   

In-space docking technology is pivotal when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve a common mission goal. By successfully executing this mission, India will join an elite group of nations possessing this advanced space technology, solidifying its position as a global leader in space exploration.

MCQs on SpaDeX Mission

1. What is the primary objective of the SpaDeX mission?
a) Human spaceflight
b) Demonstration of in-space docking technology
c) Development of lunar rovers
d) Testing of interplanetary communication

Answer: b) Demonstration of in-space docking technology
Explanation: The SpaDeX mission aims to develop and demonstrate the technology for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft in low-Earth orbit.

2. Which launch vehicle will carry the SpaDeX spacecraft?
a) GSLV Mk III
b) PSLV-C60
c) Ariane 5
d) Falcon 9

Answer: b) PSLV-C60
Explanation: The SpaDeX mission involves two small spacecraft launched using PSLV-C60 into a 470 km circular orbit.

3. How many small spacecraft are part of the SpaDeX mission?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four

Answer: b) Two
Explanation: The SpaDeX mission consists of two spacecraft: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target).

4. What is the significance of in-space docking for India?
a) To explore other planets
b) To achieve space docking capability, joining three other countries
c) To reduce the need for ground control
d) To enhance communication capabilities

Answer: b) To achieve space docking capability, joining three other countries
Explanation: The mission makes India the fourth country to develop in-space docking technology, essential for ambitious projects like lunar missions and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

5. Which of the following technologies is not part of the SpaDeX mission?
a) Docking mechanism
b) Inter-satellite communication link
c) Lunar surface drill
d) GNSS-based Relative Orbit Determination and Propagation (RODP)

Answer: c) Lunar surface drill
Explanation: The SpaDeX mission focuses on docking and associated technologies, not surface exploration tools like drills.

6. What is the nominal mass of each SpaDeX spacecraft?
a) 100 kg
b) 220 kg
c) 500 kg
d) 1,000 kg

Answer: b) 220 kg
Explanation: Each SpaDeX spacecraft weighs approximately 220 kg.

7. What is the orbit inclination of the SpaDeX mission?
a) 0°
b) 45°
c) 55°
d) 90°

Answer: c) 55°
Explanation: The spacecraft will be placed in a 470 km circular orbit with a 55° inclination.

8. What is the approach velocity during docking?
a) 100 m/s
b) 10 m/s
c) 10 mm/s
d) 1 km/s

Answer: c) 10 mm/s
Explanation: The docking mechanism uses a low-impact system with an approach velocity of 10 mm/s.

9. What payload is carried by SDX02 for radiation measurements?
a) High-Resolution Camera (HRC)
b) Miniature Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX)
c) Radiation Monitor (RadMon)
d) Infrared Spectrometer

Answer: c) Radiation Monitor (RadMon)
Explanation: The RadMon payload in SDX02 measures radiation doses and contributes to space science studies.

10. What strategy is employed for reducing the inter-satellite distance in SpaDeX?
a) Direct braking
b) V-bar strategy
c) Aerodynamic drag
d) Solar sail deployment

Answer: b) V-bar strategy
Explanation: The V-bar strategy, along with n-Pulse and Glideslope algorithms, is used for reducing the inter-satellite distance.

11. What is the role of the ISL in SpaDeX?
a) To transfer fuel between spacecraft
b) To provide autonomous communication between the spacecraft
c) To calculate docking force
d) To monitor Earth's weather

Answer: b) To provide autonomous communication between the spacecraft
Explanation: The Inter-Satellite Link (ISL) enables autonomous communication and state monitoring between the Chaser and Target.

12. What is the range of the Proximity and Docking Sensor (PDS)?
a) 1,000 km
b) 30 m to 0.4 m
c) 200 m to 20 m
d) 10 m to 5 m

Answer: b) 30 m to 0.4 m
Explanation: The PDS determines relative position and velocity within this range during docking.

13. What is the main challenge for SpaDeX compared to docking larger spacecraft?
a) Larger fuel requirement
b) Finer precision required for smaller spacecraft
c) Higher risk of collision
d) Lack of onboard sensors

Answer: b) Finer precision required for smaller spacecraft
Explanation: Docking small spacecraft requires higher precision due to their limited size and mass.

14. Which payload in SDX01 supports natural resource monitoring?
a) High-Resolution Camera (HRC)
b) Miniature Multi-Spectral Payload (MMX)
c) Radiation Monitor (RadMon)
d) Infrared Scanner

Answer: a) High-Resolution Camera (HRC)
Explanation: The HRC provides high-resolution imagery useful for monitoring natural resources.

15. Which ISRO center led the development of SpaDeX spacecraft?
a) VSSC
b) URSC
c) SDSC
d) LPSC

Answer: b) URSC
Explanation: The UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) designed and realized the SpaDeX spacecraft with contributions from other ISRO centers.