SpaDex Docking Postponed Again Due To Excess Drift, ISRO Says 'Satellites Are Safe'
The space agency stated that the issue was discovered during a manoeuvre to reach 225 metres distance between the satellites, with the drift exceeding more than expected after a non-visibility period.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday announced that it has postponed the docking attempt for its ambitious Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) for the second time after detecting excess drift between the two mission satellites. The mission was rescheduled for docking on Thursday, January 9 after it was postponed for the first time on January 7.
The space agency stated that the issue was discovered during a manoeuvre to reach 225 metres distance between the satellites, with the drift exceeding more than expected after a non-visibility period.
ISRO also assured that both the satellites —SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) — are safe. These satellites were launched on December 30 with the help of PSLV C60 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The two satellites weigh about 220 kg each and were injected into a 475-km orbit.
In a post on X, ISRO said: "While making a maneuver to reach 225 m between satellites the drift was found to be more than expected, post non-visibility period. The planned docking for tomorrow is postponed. Satellites are safe. Stay tuned for updates."
While making a maneuver to reach 225 m between satellites the drift was found to be more than expected, post non-visibility period.
— ISRO (@isro) January 8, 2025
The planned docking for tomorrow is postponed. Satellites are safe.
Stay tuned for updates.#ISRO #SPADEX
Launched on December 30, 2024, the Space Docking Experiment is a project designed to develop and demonstrate the technology required for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking using two small satellites, the space agency said. It will serve as a milestone in the advancement of India's space docking capabilities, which is critical to carry out space missions in future. This milestones has been achieved by only three nations so far including the United States, China, and Russia.
ISRO said that SpaDex will help in various space missions including satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary missions. It is also essential for India's space missions including India on Moon, Chandrayaan-4 sample return from the Moon, and the building and operation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, among others.
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