The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is making history with another breakthrough in space docking. Under the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX), ISRO successfully launched two satellites to a distance of 15 meters. The test to bring the satellites within 3 meters has been successful, and both spacecraft are functioning well.
ISRO has moved the spacecraft to a safe distance. The docking process will begin after further analysis of data from the test.
At 2 am, the satellites were 105 meters apart, but by 5 am, the gap had reduced to 15 meters. The docking process will commence once the distance between the chaser and the target reaches 3 meters.
The chaser will approach at a speed of 10 mm per second and initiate the pairing process. Once paired, the spacecraft will power up and then undock.
ISRO has paused the docking process for now. It will make further decisions after analyzing the data. According to ISRO sources, the process may take some time. This mission, focused on space docking, is crucial for India’s future space endeavours.