ISRO's SpaDeX Docking Experiment: Satellites Approach Within 3 Meters During Test
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New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) In a recent trial for space docking, two satellites came as close as three meters before retreating, according to the Indian space agency's announcement on Sunday.
Updating on the SpaDeX Docking Mission, ISRO shared on X, "A trial attempt was made to reach 15 m and subsequently to 3 m. The spacecraft are now moving back to a safe distance. The docking process will be conducted after thorough data analysis."
Previously, the space agency noted that the SpaDeX satellites maintained a position at 15 m, capturing remarkable images and videos of each other. Pictures taken at various distances were also shared by the agency.
This experiment paves the way for the upcoming primary docking test. During this trial, both SpaDeX satellites—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)—successfully approached as close as three meters. However, they were subsequently separated to safer distances, with ISRO indicating that docking would only occur following data analysis.
The docking process is notably intricate, involving careful maneuvering of the satellites to achieve what ISRO has termed an "exciting handshake" in space.
India is employing the indigenous Bhartiya Docking System to accomplish this remarkable feat.
The SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30, with the satellites SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) being deployed aboard a PSLV C60 rocket into a 475 km circular orbit.
If successful, this mission will position India as the fourth nation globally—following the US, Russia, and China—to master complex docking technologies vital for future missions.
Such an achievement would significantly bolster India’s future space endeavors, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Chandrayaan 4.
ISRO has postponed the historic docking between the two satellites on two occasions, with its chief Dr. S. Somnath stating that this is India's inaugural attempt at docking, which inherently comes with challenges. "The docking operation will only take place once all sensors are thoroughly calibrated and tested satisfactorily. All algorithms and potential scenarios are also evaluated on the ground prior to sending commands for autonomous docking of the spacecraft," Somnath has previously stated.
Post-docking, the two satellites will be managed as a single unit. Electrical power will be transferred from one satellite to the other to confirm the success of the docking. The process will be deemed successful once the satellites are undocked and resume independent operations, as previously communicated by the space agency.
