Space docking experiment: ISRO completes trial attempt; preparing for 'an exciting handshake'
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New Delhi: ISRO has successfully completed a trial attempt to reduce the distance between the two satellites for its space docking experiment to 15 metres, with plans to close the gap further to 3 metres. The spacecraft has now been moved back to a safe distance to ensure the docking process can be carried out safely after analysing the collected data.
The satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) are in optimal condition, reported PTI. "At 15 metres, we see each other clearer and clearer, we are just 50 feet away for an exciting handshake," ISRO shared in a post on X.
Launched on December 30, the mission aims to demonstrate in-space docking capabilities using small satellites. The PSLV C60 rocket carried the 220-kilogramme satellites into a 475-kilometre circular orbit from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
If successful, the SpaDeX mission will establish India as the fourth country to develop these advanced technologies, which are crucial for future projects, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and the planned lunar astronaut landing.