Bengaluru, Jan 11 (UNI) The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) spacecraft, currently positioned at an Inter Satellite Distance (ISD) of 230 metres, has reported normal health status, ISRO officials confirmed on Saturday.
All onboard sensors are undergoing thorough evaluation as part of the ongoing mission protocol. "The spacecraft's systems are operating nominally, and the sensor data is being analysed to ensure optimal performance," the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stated in a post on X.
SpaDeX represents a critical step in advancing satellite rendezvous and docking technologies, enhancing India’s capabilities in space research. Further updates on the sensor evaluation process are anticipated in the coming days.
Following the successful arresting of the excessive drift between the two spacecraft on Thursday, ISRO reported on Friday evening that the spacecraft were now 1.5 km apart and in hold mode. A further drift reduction to 500 metres is planned to be achieved by Saturday morning.
The docking experiment, initially scheduled for January 7, was postponed twice due to technical issues. On Friday, ISRO posted an update on X, saying: "Spacecrafts are at a distance of 1.5 km and in hold mode. Further drift to 500 m is planned to be achieved by tomorrow morning."
The drift issues caused the postponement of the docking of the two satellites, Chaser and Target, which was originally planned for Friday morning. The maneuver was again deferred due to unexpected drift during the approach phase. ISRO clarified that the drift was greater than expected, which led to the second delay.
The docking was initially delayed to January 9 following additional validation through ground simulations. ISRO had explained that the drift observed on January 8 exceeded expectations, resulting in further postponement.
Despite these technical challenges, ISRO assured that both satellites remain safe and operational.
Launched on December 30, 2024, the SpaDeX mission saw India become the fourth nation globally to deploy space docking technology, following the United States, Russia, and China. The mission, which uses the indigenous "Bharatiya Docking System," is a major milestone in India’s expanding space capabilities.
The SpaDeX mission is pivotal for India's upcoming space ventures, including the Chandrayaan-4 mission, the Gaganyaan manned spaceflight program, and the planned Indian Space Station.
In addition, ISRO achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the PSLV-C60 launch, deploying a record 24 scientific experiments into space. Notable accomplishments include the cultivation of crops in space, with leaves emerging after just four days, and the successful demonstration of the first walking robotic arm in space.
"With 24 cutting-edge R&D payloads (14 from ISRO, 10 from academia/startups), it has pushed boundaries in biological experiments, robotics, SAR imaging, AI labs, and more," ISRO stated.
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