ISRO Successfully Holds Trial Docking Attempt Under Space Docking Experiment Mission

New Delhi, [Current Date] - The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a successful trial docking attempt under its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on Sunday. The two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), successfully maneuvered to a distance of 15 meters and then came within just three meters of each other.

According to ISRO, the docking process has been halted and the satellites have been moved back to a safe distance after the trial. The space agency stated that further analysis of the data will be carried out before proceeding with the actual docking process.

The two satellites, launched by ISRO to perform the space docking experiment, are in good condition and are poised for an "exciting handshake" as they close in on each other at a distance of 15 meters. The spacecraft are now just 50 feet away from each other, indicating a successful trial run.

ISRO stated that if all goes well, this mission aims to showcase the in-space docking technology using small spacecraft and position India as the fourth nation to master these advanced technologies. These technologies will be critical for future missions like Bharatiya Antariksh Station and lunar astronaut landings.

The SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30 with the PSLV C60 rocket carrying the two 220-kilogramme satellites, which were placed into a 475-kilometre circular orbit. If successful, this mission will pave the way for India to take its space program to new heights and solidify its position in the global space community.