By R. Rakendu
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed its trail attempt of Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX Mission). Prior to the experiment, ISRO had sent two satellites, SDXo1 (Chaser) and SDXo2 (Target) to the Space on PSLV C6o rocket. In this trial run, both the satellites came as close as 3 metres and then went apart to a safe distance.
The space organisation, on Sunday, 12 January 2025, stated that further analysis of the experiment will be done on the basis of the data received from the trail. Before coming to 3 metre distance, both the satellites, Chaser and Target were put on hold at a distance of 15 metres. From this distance, the satellites took pictures and videos of each other.
Both the satellites are moving back and forth. ISRO explains this very complex concept of docking as an “exciting handshake”, and is all set to achieve its goal. To achieve this, the space organisation is using Bhartiya Docking System, which is an indigenously developed system.
The docking experiment had to be postponed twice (on January 7 and January 9). Before the experiment, current ISRO chairman, S. Somanath stated “The docking experiment will take place only after testing everything, including the sensors. The algorithms are already tested on ground before the commands are being sent to the spacecraft to do the docking autonomously.”
This is a huge milestone to India, provided the space docking mission attains success. Following the US, China and Russia, India will be the fourth country to learn, experiment and master all the complex technologies that will be required for the future space endeavours.
Indian Space Research Organisation, over the past two decades have had many successful missions including Chandrayaan I, Mangalyaan, ASTROSAT, Chandrayaan III and so on. This leaves a positive mark in the minds of Indians, hoping the SpaDeX Mission to be a success.