India inches closer to space docking milestone as ISRO brings satellites within 3 meters in trial attempt

ISRO on Jan 12 said the two satellites launched to perform space docking experiments were brought within three meters and then moved safely back in a trial attempt.

The space agency also said the docking process would be done after analyzing the data further.

"A trial attempt to reach up to 15 meter and further to three meters is done. Moving back spacecraft to safe distance. The docking process will be done after analyzing data further," ISRO said in a post on X.

The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) project has missed two announced schedules for docking experiments on Jan 7 and Jan 9.

ISRO launched the mission on Dec 30.

The PSLV C60 rocket, carrying two small satellites — SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) — along with 24 payloads, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. About 15 minutes later, the two small spacecraft weighing about 220 kilograms each were launched into a 475-kilometer circular orbit, as intended.

The SpaDeX project is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using small spacecraft, according to ISRO.

A successful demonstration of SpaDeX will make India the fourth nation to master the complex technologies that are crucial for its future missions, such as the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and landing an astronaut on the moon.

In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives.

(PTI)