AMN
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the undocking of two satellites, part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEx) mission, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey.
Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh has congratulated ISRO for its successful demonstration of the undocking experiment as part of the SpaDEx mission. In his post on the social media site X, the minister said it will pave the way for the smooth conduct of ambitious future missions, including the Bharatiya Antriksh Station, Chandrayaan-4, and Gaganyaan. ISRO accomplished the docking experiment on January 16, when the Chaser SDX-01 and Target SDX-02 satellites reduced their speed and clamped to each other in low Earth orbit.
The successful undocking of the SpaDex satellites marks a significant milestone in India’s Space journey. Autonomous docking and undocking are key technologies for future satellite servicing, space station operations and deep space exploration. This advanced capability to dock and undock in space is considered pivotal for future space missions, including landing on the Moon, collecting samples and returning to Earth. The primary goal of SpaDex’s mission is now accomplished. India has now become the fourth country after the USA, Russia and China to master this technology. SpaDex mission has now demonstrated ISRO’s capabilities in electric power transfer between two spacecraft moving in space and the use of an advanced Satellite Positioning System to ensure precise manoeuvring in orbit. The functionality of payloads after undocking is vital for operations in future missions.