India's space agency, ISRO, reported a significant milestone in space exploration as two satellites successfully approached each other to within three meters during a docking test. This event occurred as part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, which aims to refine satellite docking technology.
The test involved bringing the satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), from an initial distance of 15 meters to just 3 meters, with plans for further approaches at a speed of 10 mm/s. Following the test, the satellites were moved to a safe distance for data analysis before proceeding with the docking process.
ISRO emphasized that satellite docking is a complex maneuver, likening it to a 'handshake' between spacecraft. The Bhartiya Docking System, developed in India, plays a crucial role in this process.
The SpaDeX mission launched on December 30, deploying the satellites into a 475-kilometer circular orbit using the PSLV C60 rocket. Successful completion of this mission would position India as the fourth country globally to master satellite docking technology, enhancing future space projects, including the Bharatiya Antariksh space station and the Chandrayaan 4 mission.
ISRO has postponed the historic docking attempt twice. Agency head S. Somnath highlighted that this is India's inaugural attempt at satellite docking. He noted that final docking will only occur after thorough calibration and testing of all sensors, with algorithms and scenarios being meticulously verified on Earth before commands are sent to the spacecraft for autonomous execution.
Upon successful docking, the two satellites will operate as a single unit, with power transferred from one to the other, marking a key indicator of successful docking. The mission will conclude with the satellites undocking and functioning independently.
Previously, NASA conducted tests on the docking system for the Orion capsule with the Starship vehicle.