• Source:JND
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced significant progress in its ambitious Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, where two satellites came as close as three metres in space in preparation for a docking attempt. The satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), are now being moved apart for further analysis before the final docking.

The satellites are being moved back and forth to achieve what ISRO has described as an "exciting handshake" of the two satellites in space at a speed of just 10 millimetres per second. The mission relies on the indigenously developed Bhartiya Docking System, showcasing India’s growing prowess in advanced space technology.

"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 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stated.

The SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30 aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, which placed the satellites into a 475-kilometre circular orbit. Once successfully completed, India will become the fourth country in the world to achieve space docking, a crucial milestone for future projects like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Chandrayaan-4.

ISRO’s chairman, Dr S Somanath, highlighted the challenges of this first-time attempt, stating that every aspect of the docking process, including sensor calibration and ground simulations, must meet stringent standards before commands are sent to the spacecraft.

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"The docking process will only proceed once all sensors have been thoroughly calibrated and tested to ensure accuracy. Additionally, all algorithms and scenarios are rigorously validated on the ground before issuing autonomous docking commands to the spacecraft," Dr Somanath had previously stated.

Once docked, the two satellites will function as a single unit, allowing for the transfer of electrical power between them. The docking will only be declared successful after they are undocked and confirmed to operate independently.

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