India’s ambitious space program took a significant leap as two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), came within three meters during a historic trial for space docking, announced the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday. The satellites, part of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, later moved to a safe distance for further analysis.
ISRO stated, “A trial attempt to reach up to 15 m and further to 3 m is done. Moving back spacecraft to a safe distance. The docking process will be done after analysing data further.” Stunning images and videos captured by the satellites at various distances were also shared.
Launched on December 30 aboard a PSLV C60 rocket, the SpaDeX mission aims to establish India’s indigenous Bhartiya Docking System. If successful, India will join the US, Russia, and China in mastering the complex docking technology critical for advanced space exploration.
The mission will pave the way for future projects, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Chandrayaan-4. ISRO’s chief, Dr. S. Somnath, emphasized the importance of thorough calibration and testing before the docking process proceeds. Once docked, the satellites will transfer power and operate as a single unit, with undocking and independent operations confirming mission success.
