ISRO Successfully Executes Trial Docking of Two Satellites, Paves Way for Actual Process

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to develop space docking technology. In a trial attempt conducted on Sunday, ISRO successfully brought two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), within three meters of each other before safely moving them apart, as stated by the space agency.

The trial was part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) project, which aims to test in-space docking technologies. According to ISRO, the actual docking process would follow further analysis of the collected data.

In a major setback, the SpaDeX project had missed earlier planned docking schedules on January 7 and January 9 due to technical issues. The mission, launched on December 30 aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, successfully deployed the satellites into a 475-kilometre circular orbit approximately 15 minutes after launch.

Carried by the rocket, which lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, were two small satellites—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)—along with 24 other payloads. The satellites weigh about 220 kilograms each.

ISRO hailed this achievement as a significant milestone for India's space exploration goals, enabling the country to position itself as the fourth nation globally to execute a complex in-space docking process. This advancement will hold vital significance for ambitions such as constructing Bharatiya Antariksh Station and even establishing human presence on the Moon.

After successfully executing a trial operation, ISRO aims to push forward with actual docking attempts based on data collected from this experiment.