Latest news with #SPADEX
India.com
3 days ago
- Business
- India.com
E-Power To The Skies: India Embarks On Indigenous Electric Aircraft Project E-Hansa
In a significant step towards green flying and technological indigenisation, India is going to create 'E-Hansa', a two-seat domestic electric training aircraft, at a cost of Rs 2 crore, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informed on Tuesday. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) located in Bengaluru will be responsible for the development of the aircraft. E-Hansa is part of the larger HANSA-3 Next Generation (NG) programme and is intended to be an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient pilot-training alternative. "The E-Hansa will significantly cut costs compared to imported aircraft and is a proud symbol of India's push toward clean energy in aviation," Dr Singh told a high-level review meeting with science department secretaries. "India has initiated the process to develop Electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a next-generation two-seater electric trainer Aircraft. The new aircraft will be indigenously developed by the #CSIR institute of "National Aerospace Laboratories" (NAL) Bengaluru. It is expected to cost… — Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) May 27, 2025 Emphasis On Indigenous Innovation And Public-Private Partnerships The review meeting had deliberations on performance indicators, previous implementation choices, and strategic reforms in the science and technology field. Dr Singh underlined indigenous technologies' commercialisation and called for more robust public-private partnerships (PPP). He instructed the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to incorporate models like DBT-BIRAC and IN-SPACe for effective transfer of technology and private sector participation. He emphasized standardised technology protocols, simplicity in doing business, and innovation under the global ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam". ISRO Commended For SPADEX And Operation Sindoor Praising the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr Singh complimented recent success with the SPADEX mission, especially the docking and undocking technology, which will be crucial for the future Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. He also praised the contribution of ISRO towards Operation Sindoor, saying, "Every Indian is proud of ISRO." ISRO is now working with 40 Union Ministries and 28 State Governments and has multiple space missions lined up. India's International Footprint Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be representing India on the Axiom Space Mission, where he will have seven microgravity experiments on board the International Space Station (ISS)—a step that solidifies India's developing international footprint in space studies and international partnerships.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
ISRO performs space 'dogfight' with twin satellites 500 kilometres above Earth, showcasing advanced orbital control
Only weeks after the United States sounded the alarm over China's mock "dogfights" in space, India has quietly pulled off a historic space manoeuvre of its own—one that marries sophisticated scientific finesse with nuanced strategic signalling. On its SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) successfully executed a high-speed satellite rendezvous in space, showcasing not only technical capability but future preparedness in the new frontier of orbital defence . Operation Sindoor Three explosions rock Lahore, flight ops temporarily halted Before & after: Satellite images show damage to terror camps in Pak after Op Sindoor Operation Sindoor: 'India is going to ...', says Donald Trump's close ally Laura Loomer in viral post on Twitter ISRO turns SPADEX mission into space dogfight experiment The SPADEX mission was first initiated to develop autonomous docking and undocking of two satellites, SDX 01 and SDX 02, effectively making it possible for spacecraft to link and unlink automatically. Such autonomy is the backbone of long-duration space missions, space station activities, and servicing satellites. When the main mission was accomplished, ISRO engineers observed that the two satellites had almost 50% of fuel left, owing to accurate launch calibration and cautious fuel management. This created the possibility for an unintended but ambitious second phase: testing high-speed coordinated manoeuvres in orbit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest $200 in Amazon without buying stocks to earn a second salary Marketsall Sign Up Undo India moves closer to space warfare readiness with dogfight drill In this makeshift extension of the mission, ISRO executed what looked like a space-based dogfight. The two satellites were manoeuvred into synchronised, high-speed contact at orbital speeds of 28,800 kmph—approximately 28 times the speed of a commercial airliner. Flying at such velocities, even the slightest miscalculation can result in disastrous consequences, and hence, this was an accomplishment of gigantic technical sophistication. Similar to fighter jets' aerial combat training, the satellites gradually closed in on each other under controlled conditions, pushing the boundaries of orbital control , real-time communication, and autonomous control systems. Although no weapons were used, the exercise replicates the manoeuvring accuracy that would be required in future space wars. ISRO's orbital test reflects India's rising role in space security ISRO has explained the procedure in purely scientific terms, but timing and capability displayed cannot be dismissed in a global perspective. As recently as a few months back, the US Space Force went on record denouncing China as carrying out provocative orbital manoeuvres and warning against potential militarisation of space. India's version, technologically identical, was implemented in a serene, controlled setting centred on experimentation. Nevertheless, the message is obvious: India has grown to a stage of orbital capability where it can maintain, navigate, and control satellites with tactical sophistication—abilities important for civilian and defence uses in space. ISRO's milestone strengthens India's position in the space race This manoeuvre represents a great landmark for India in the increasingly intensified global struggle to dominate space. Only a very few countries have been able to execute such near-proximity, autonomous satellite activities. India, with this move, has entered that high echelon of exclusive clubs. Further, it strengthens India's plans for deep-space explorations, satellite service technologies, and, in the longer term, its capability to protect its assets in space from the outside world—be they natural or hostile. Also Read | Astronomers discover giant star-forming cloud, 5,000 times larger than the Sun, near our solar system
News18
07-05-2025
- Science
- News18
'Dogfight' In Space At The Speed Of 29,000 kmph: ISRO Shows How It's Done
Last Updated: India's ISRO achieved a milestone with the SPADEX mission, simulating a space dogfight between satellites at 28,800 km/h, showcasing advanced space defense capabilities Just weeks after the United States accused China of simulating a high-stakes 'dogfight' in space, India has quietly pulled off a technological feat of its own, one that not only demonstrates scientific prowess but hints at strategic readiness for the future of orbital defence. Under the ambitious SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved what few nations dare to attempt: two Indian satellites—SDX 01 and SDX 02—were successfully manoeuvred to face one another in orbit, closing in at speeds nearing 29,000 km/h. What followed was nothing short of a simulated space confrontation, conducted with breath-taking precision. Initially launched to test autonomous docking and undocking capabilities, the SPADEX mission had already achieved its primary objectives. However, with nearly half of their onboard fuel reserves still available, ISRO scientists saw an opportunity to push the boundaries further. What they orchestrated next resembled an aerial dogfight, but in the vacuum of space. In an unprecedented move, both satellites were guided to approach each other head-on, mimicking high-speed combat manoeuvres akin to fighter jets locked in a mid-air drill. At an orbital velocity of 28,800 km/h, around 28 times faster than a commercial aircraft, the exercise was described by ISRO as 'technically complex and extraordinarily challenging". This demonstration is more than a marvel of scientific ingenuity; it hints at India's quiet preparation for the evolving domain of space security, often dubbed the next frontier of warfare. Earlier this year, the United States had raised alarm bells, accusing China of weaponising space by simulating dogfights with satellites, an act many viewed as a potential military provocation. In contrast, India's exercise, while echoing the technical nature of such manoeuvres, was conducted in a calm, deliberate, and scientific context. Yet the implications are clear: India now possesses the technological maturity to engage in high-precision orbital operations, asserting itself as a rising power in space defence capabilities. A Stark Contrast With Pakistan While India advances in orbital control and autonomous docking technology, Pakistan continues to rely on China and the United States for basic GPS functionality. Bereft of its own satellite docking infrastructure or deep-space R&D, Islamabad is nowhere near fielding a mission like SPADEX. This successful experiment not only marks a leap forward for India in terms of space exploration and satellite autonomy, it also sends an unmistakable message: India is preparing not just for terrestrial challenges, but for those in orbit as well. First Published: May 07, 2025, 15:08 IST
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
ISRO reportedly conducts satellite 'dogfight' at nearly 29,000 kilometers per hour amid India-Pakistan tensions
A month after the US flagged China for conducting mock 'dogfights' in space using satellites, India has achieved a similar feat by carrying out a complex satellite manoeuvre using leftover fuel from its SPADEX mission . As per a NDTV report, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) used two satellites, SDX 01 and SDX 02, to perform a satellite-to-satellite manoeuvre that resembled a dogfight — a term usually used for aerial combat. This was not part of ISRO 's original mission plan but was enabled by efficient fuel management. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Inside Operation Tupac: Pakistan's secret project to burn Kashmir Who is Asim Munir, the Zia-style general shaping Pakistan's faith-driven military revival 'Looking for partners, not preachers': India's strong message for EU amid LoC tensions ISRO uses leftover fuel to test satellite manoeuvres ISRO had launched the SPADEX mission to test autonomous rendezvous and docking capabilities. After its successful completion, the agency found that both satellites involved still had around 50% of their fuel remaining. This was possible due to a precise rocket launch and frugal use of fuel in orbit. Using this fuel, ISRO executed a new test involving close coordination between the two satellites in orbit, similar to mock dogfights in the air. The activity was described as technically complex and difficult to carry out. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Falkirk: This Is The Truth About "No Fuss" Cremations Golden Leaves Undo Two Indian satellites were travelling through space at a speed of 28,800 kilometers per hour, which is 28 times faster than a commercial passenger jet. Global context: US had warned of China's satellite dogfights In March, the US Space Force had raised concerns about China's increasing ability to conduct satellite manoeuvres that simulate combat in space. 'That's what we call dogfighting in space. They are practicing tactics, techniques, and procedures to do on-orbit space operations from one satellite to another,' US Space Force vice-chief Michael A Guetlein had said. Live Events India's demonstration follows those global developments and marks a step forward in the country's space technology capabilities. India Stops Chenab Water Flow? In another report, India has reportedly temporarily stopped water flow through the Baglihar dam on the Chenab river. This move follows India's decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty in retaliation for the attack, with similar measures being considered for the Kishanganga Dam. The suspension of water flow through the Baglihar dam is a temporary action. The dam, built in accordance with the Indus Waters Treaty, has a limited capacity to hold water and must release it once that capacity is reached. This action, however, signals a warning to Pakistan amid heightened tensions following the terror attack. Baglihar and Kishanganga projects The Baglihar dam is located on the Chenab river, which is classified as a "western river" under the Indus Waters Treaty. As per the treaty, Pakistan has the right to unrestricted use of the Chenab's waters. India is permitted to use the water for agricultural purposes, hydroelectric generation, or other non-consumptive uses. The Baglihar project, a run-of-the-river power project in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, generates 900 MW of hydroelectricity. The first phase was completed in 2008, and the second phase was completed in 2015. A similar project, the Kishanganga dam in Bandipore, generates 330 MW of power. Pakistan has previously raised objections to both projects, claiming that their design violated the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan argued that the Baglihar dam's parameters could give India a strategic advantage in times of conflict. Similarly, Pakistan objected to the Kishanganga project, arguing that India was not permitted to divert water from one tributary to another. However, a Court of Arbitration ruled in India's favor. Pakistan has previously warned that any attempt by India to stop water flow would be viewed as an act of war. The country has threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, which governs the Line of Control. Tensions escalate following Pahalgam terror attack The move comes in the wake of a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, where 25 tourists and a Kashmiri were killed. The attack has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the attack and vowing that those responsible would face severe consequences. Modi expressed the nation's collective grief and anger over the killings, stating, 'This attack was not just on innocent tourists; the country's enemies have shown the audacity to attack India's soul.' Investigations have pointed to Pakistan's involvement in the attack, which has further strained bilateral relations.
India.com
04-05-2025
- Science
- India.com
Big tension for China, Pakistan as Indian satellites are practicing
Big tension for China, Pakistan as Indian satellites are practicing "dogfight" in space for…, aim is to… Satellite Dogfighting in Space: From carrying rockets on a bicycle to landing a spacecraft on the moon's south pole, the journey of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and India's space sector is nothing less than a fairy tale. Now, India's dominance in space is continuously increasing as the country has emerged as the cheapest option to launch other countries' satellites in space. From Chandrayaan-3 to Aditya L-1, India has proved its prowess in the space sector to the world. In the recent development, India is conducting a rare and very sophisticated 'dogfight' in space between 'chaser' and 'target' satellites, orbiting about 500 km above Earth. ISRO is going to conduct the operation after Chinese defense satellites practised 'dogfight' in the low Earth orbit last year. Notably, a dogfight in space refers to the strategic, close-quarters maneuvering of spacecraft, similar to aerial dogfights between fighter jets. Improved Expansion Of Spadex Missions The unique effort by India is another extension of ISRO's SpadeX mission. ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan told NDTV that SpadeX mission in India has successfully shown the 'docking and undocking process twice'. He informed that after the extended docking and undocking manoeuvres, both the satellites still had 50 percent fuel left. What Is The View Of Space Like? According to reports, the two Indian satellites – flying in space at a speed of 28,800 kmph participated autonomously in this precise flight pattern. Both satellites conducted rendezvous and proximity operations. A recent near-encounter between two satellites happened after days of manual movements to adjust their orbits. China Also Conducted 'Dogfight' The Dragon also demonstrated its capabilities by several satellites. Even the United States mentioned that its rivals are closing the technology gap. SPADEX Satellites Continue To Make An Impact India's ISRO successfully conducted a second docking manoeuvre of its SPADEX satellites (SDX 01 and SDX 02) on April 20, followed by a successful power transfer test between the two satellites on April 21st. Heat Transferred From One Satellite To Another Notably, the experiment also involved operating a heater element in one satellite through power from the other satellite. The duration of power transfer was about 4 minutes, and the performance of the satellites was as expected. In the second docking attempt, docking was accomplished with full autonomy from an inter-satellite distance of 15 meters. In the first docking attempt, an additional hold point was manually used at an inter-satellite distance of 3 meters. The first docking was achieved on January 16 this year. ISRO successfully docked two Indian satellites orbiting in space at 475 km above the Earth, making it the fourth country to learn docking after Russia, the US and China. India launched the SpadeX mission using its reliable and low-cost PSLV rocket on December 30 last year. Docking is an enabling technology for upcoming missions such as Chandrayaan-4 and the Indian Space Station.
