The docking process will be done after analysing data further, the space agency said.
Early on Sunday morning, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) attempted a trial docking between two satellite components of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission.
After successfully manoeuvring to a distance of 15 meters, the two spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), eventually approached within three meters of one another.
Providing an update, ISRO stated: “A trial attempt to reach up to 15 m and further to 3 m is done. Moving back spacecraft to a safe distance. The docking process will be done after analysing data further.”
According to the space agency, the docking procedure will be completed following additional data analysis.
The two satellites that were launched for the mission, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), were only 15 meters away and were getting ready for an “exciting handshake,” according to a post made by ISRO on Saturday.
Around six in the morning on Sunday, ISRO posted another post with a breathtaking image and video of the SpaDeX satellites holding each other at a distance of fifteen meters.
SpaDeX mission
The SpaDeX project has already missed two announced schedules for docking experiments on January 7 and 9.
ISRO successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on December 30.
The PSLV C60 rocket carrying two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), along with 24 payloads, had lifted off from the first launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and about 15 minutes after liftoff, the two small spacecraft weighing about 220 kg each were launched into a 475-km circular orbit as intended.
According to ISRO, SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft that was launched by PSLV.
This technology is essential for India’s space ambitions such as Indian on Moon, sample return from the Moon, the building and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), etc.
In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology.
(with inputs from PTI)
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