ISRO Postpones Space Docking Experiment Again Due To Excess Satellite Drift

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has again postponed the docking attempt for its ambitious Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) after detecting excess drift between the two mission satellites.

Both satellites involved remain safe, and a new timeline will be announced soon, the Indian space agency said.

ISRO stated that the issue arose during a manoeuvre to reduce the distance between the satellites to 225 meters, with the drift exceeding expectations after a non-visibility period.

"While making a maneuver to reach 225 m between satellites the drift was found to be more than expected, post non-visibility period. The planned docking for tomorrow is postponed," ISRO said.

"Satellites are safe," the space agency added.

This marks the second delay for the mission, which was initially scheduled for 7 January and rescheduled to 9 January.

ISRO has confirmed that the satellites involved in the experiment, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), are safe and functioning normally.

A revised timeline for the docking attempt will be announced soon.

Launched on 30 December 2024, aboard the PSLV C60 rocket, the SpaDeX mission seeks to showcase India’s capability in space docking technology—a feat previously accomplished only by the United States, Russia, and China.

The mission’s two 220-kg satellites are presently in orbit at an altitude of 475 kilometers.

The intricate process of space docking involves accurately aligning and coupling two spacecraft in orbit, a vital milestone for advancing future space exploration initiatives.

The SpaDeX experiment is strategically significant for India’s space programme, potentially facilitating progress in key areas such as constructing a lunar-orbiting space station, executing the Chandrayaan-4 sample return mission, and supporting extended crewed missions in space.

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