ISRO’s SpaDeX Satellites Complete Trial Run For Space Docking

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Sunday that two satellites under the SpaDeX Docking Mission successfully approached within three meters in a trial attempt for space docking. The satellites are now moving back to safer distances for further analysis.

In a post on X, ISRO said, “A trial attempt to reach up to 15 m and further to 3 m is done. Moving back spacecrafts to safe distance. The docking process will be done after analysing data further.”

ISRO earlier confirmed that the SpaDeX satellites held position at 15 meters while capturing photos and videos of each other. The agency shared these visuals, taken at various distances, to mark progress in the mission.

The two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), approached within three meters during the trial. Afterward, they were moved apart to a safer distance. ISRO clarified that docking would proceed only after the data is fully analyzed.

First Step Toward Future Missions

The SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30 using a PSLV C60 rocket. The satellites were placed in a 475-km circular orbit. ISRO employs the indigenous Bhartiya Docking System for this complex process, which involves moving satellites back and forth to achieve an “exciting handshake.”

If successful, India will join the US, Russia, and China in mastering docking technology. This capability is critical for future projects like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Chandrayaan 4.

ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somnath highlighted the challenges of this first attempt. “The docking exercise will be done only when all sensors are fully calibrated and tested. All scenarios are being rigorously tested on the ground,” he said.

Post-docking, the satellites will function as one unit. Electrical power transfer between them will confirm success. Once undocked, their independent operations will mark the mission’s achievement.

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