08-Jan-2025 09:13 PM
3609
Bengaluru, Jan 8 (Reporter) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to achieve a historic milestone with its SpaDeX mission, as the SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) satellites close in for docking.
The two satellites are now just 600 meters apart, marking a significant advancement in space technology.
Scheduled to dock on Thursday morning at 8:00 AM IST, the mission will witness India's first attempt at in-orbit docking, a critical step in enhancing the nation’s space capabilities.
Successful completion of the mission will place India among a select group of countries capable of executing such complex space operations.
The SpaDeX satellites were launched on December 30, 2024, initially separated by approximately 20 kilometers. Through precise maneuvering, the distance between the two satellites has now been reduced to just 600 meters, showcasing ISRO's expertise in space navigation.
The docking process will be supported by inter-satellite communication via a radio frequency link, enabling real-time data exchange on the satellites' positions and orientations.
The docking, originally scheduled for January 6, was postponed to ensure comprehensive validation checks were completed for the mission’s success.
The SpaDeX mission is not only a significant achievement for India but also demonstrates key technological advances that are expected to play a vital role in future space explorations, including lunar missions and India’s potential space station.
ISRO’s advanced monitoring systems, in collaboration with S2A Systems (Swiss-based), are actively tracking the satellites as they close in for docking. A successful docking will also contribute to global advancements in automated docking systems, paving the way for future interplanetary missions.
The global space community eagerly awaits the outcome of this groundbreaking mission, which will set new benchmarks for space technology and India’s growing prominence in the field of space exploration...////...