NEWS – ISRO Docks Two Satellites. India joins the ranks of the U.S., Russia, and China in achieving satellite docking. The experiment was conducted under the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Successful Docking:
  • Two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), docked successfully.
  • The operation was managed by ISRO’s Mission Operations Complex (MOX) at ISTRAC.
• Procedure Highlights:
  • Satellites moved from a 15m hold point to 3m.
  • Docking process included:
    • Initiation with precision alignment.
    • Capture of spacecraft.
    • Retraction for close positioning.
    • Rigidisation for stability.
  • Post-Docking Control:
    • Satellites now function as a single object under SpaDeX control.
    • Upcoming steps: Undocking and power transfer checks.

Technological Significance

• SpaDeX Mission Objectives:
  • Technology Development:
    • Demonstration of satellite manoeuvring and docking technologies.
  • Futuristic Applications:
    • Key for Indian astronaut missions to the Moon.
    • Essential for designing and managing an Indian space station.
  • Power Transfer:
    • Transfer of electrical power between docked satellites.
    • Application in:
      • In-space robotics.
      • Composite spacecraft control.
      • Payload operations post-undocking.

Future Plans

• Post-Docking Activities:
  • Electrical power transfer demonstration.
  • Satellites to undock and operate independently.
• Mission Operations:
  • Satellites will support payload activities for a mission life of up to two years.
  • Separation to enable application-specific missions.