Bengaluru, Jan 12 (Reporter) The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission has reached a significant milestone with a successful trial docking attempt. The operation advanced to a distance of 15 metres before progressing further to just 3 metres. To ensure safety, the spacecrafts were subsequently manoeuvred back to a secure distance, adhering to all prescribed protocols during this critical phase. ISRO scientists are now analysing the data collected during the trial to chart the mission's next steps. The actual docking process will commence after a comprehensive evaluation of the findings. "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. Stay tuned for updates," ISRO said in an X post on Sunday. Earlier, ISRO provided an exciting update on the mission's progress, highlighting its approach to a landmark docking event. “At 15m we see each other clearer and clearer, we are just 50 feet away for an exciting handshake,” the space agency noted in a statement. The SpaDeX mission represents a pivotal achievement in India’s space programme, aiming to demonstrate autonomous docking capabilities in orbit. This technology is crucial for future space endeavours, including human spaceflight and deep-space exploration. The mission is being closely monitored by ISRO’s mission control, with scientists expressing optimism about achieving a successful docking. “This achievement showcases India’s engineering expertise and innovation, underlining our capacity to lead in cutting-edge space technology,” an ISRO official remarked. Further updates are anticipated as the mission advances to the final stages of the docking sequence...////...