New Delhi:
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was scheduled to conduct its ambitious space docking experiment on Thursday using two satellites in orbit. But this experiment of ISRO got postponed for the second time. Earlier this experiment was scheduled for January 7, but after being postponed, January 9 was fixed for the experiment.
ISRO on Wednesday postponed the space docking experiment of satellites for the second time due to excessive divergence between the satellites involved in the mission. The mission, known as the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), was originally scheduled for Tuesday. However, it was later postponed till Thursday.
In a post on Twitter on Wednesday, Bengaluru-based space agency ISRO said, “While trying to get within 225 meters between the satellites, the deviation after a non-visibility period was found to be higher than expected. Docking scheduled for tomorrow postponed.” The satellites are safe.”
If ISRO succeeds in this mission, India will become the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology.
The PSLV C60 rocket took off from the first launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota carrying two small satellites – SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) and 24 payloads. About 15 minutes after launch, two small spacecraft weighing about 220 kg each were released into a 475 km circular orbit.
According to ISRO, the SpaceX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstration mission to demonstrate in-space docking using two small spacecraft. This technology is essential for India’s space ambitions such as India on the Moon, sample return from the Moon, construction and operation of the Indian Space Station (BAS), etc.
The space agency said the ‘Space Docking Experiment’ (SPADEX) is an important project designed to develop and demonstrate the technology required for rendezvous, docking and undocking of spacecraft using two small satellites.
ISRO said, “Spadex will prove to be a milestone in advancing India’s capabilities in space docking. Space docking is a critical technology for future space missions, including satellite servicing, space station operations and interplanetary missions.