ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission: Indian Satellites Reach Up To 3-Metre Proximity In Docking Trial, Move Back For Analysis

In a landmark trial, two Indian satellites approached within three meters of each other as part of a space docking experiment and have now moved back to a safe distance, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Sunday (12 January).

The next phase of the mission involves the satellites gradually approaching each other again at a speed of 10 millimeters per second.

"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," the ISRO said in its latest update on the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission.

Both the satellites also captured images and videos of each other from a distance of 15 m.

The docking process is highly complicate, requiring repeated maneouvers to achieve what ISRO has termed an “exciting handshake” between the two satellites in space.

This feat is being attempted using the indigenously developed Bhartiya Docking System.

Launched on December 30, the SpaDeX mission deployed two satellites—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)—via the PSLV C60 rocket, placing them in a 475-kilometer circular orbit.

The mission aims to position India as the fourth nation to achieve satellite docking, a milestone that will significantly advance future space exploration projects like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Chandrayaan 4.

The historic docking was earlier postponed twice, with ISRO Chief Dr S Somnath saying it was India's first attempt at docking and that every first attempt has its own challenges.

"The docking exercise will be done only when all sensors have been fully calibrated and tested to satisfaction. All algorithms and scenarios are also tested on the ground before commands are sent to the spacecraft to do the docking autonomously," Somnath had earlier said.

Once docked, the two satellites will operate as a single spacecraft, with electrical power transferred between them to verify the docking’s success.

The docking process will be deemed successful once the satellites are undocked and resume independent operations.

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