New Delhi:
A unique miracle happened in space thousands of miles away from Earth. Indian scientists accomplished this from Earth. India’s two satellites floating in space came 3 meters closer, looked at each other and then separated saying goodbye. This is a big event in Indian space history. In the language of space science, it is called Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX). ISRO is carrying out this in space. Its first phase of bringing the two satellites closer and then moving them apart has been successful. Efforts for close meeting of satellites by bringing them into an orbit around the Earth were going on for a long time. This union happened slowly and in a very safe manner. Till Friday evening both were 1.5 kilometers apart. On Sunday, both of them separated after coming at a distance of 230 meters, then 15 meters and finally 3 meters. According to ISRO, the data of this close meeting will be analyzed and then the process of docking i.e. ‘grand meeting’ of the two will be taken forward. If this mission is successful, India will become the fourth country in the world to achieve this capability.
ISRO posted information on social media
SpaDeX Docking Update:
A trial attempt to reach up to 15 m and further to 3 m is done.
Moving back spacecrafts to safe distance
The docking process will be done after analyzing data further.
Stay tuned for updates.#SpaDeX #ISRO
— ISRO (@isro) January 12, 2025
While giving information about this experiment, ISRO wrote that this attempt of 15 meters and then 3 meters was successful. Both spacecraft are currently being taken back to a safe distance. The Spadex project had already missed two deadlines for ‘docking’ experiments on 7 and 9 January. ISRO had successfully sent the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission into space on 30 December. The Spadex mission, a low-cost technology mission for space-docking using two small spacecraft, was launched aboard the PSLV.
This technology is essential for India’s space ambitions such as Indian mission to the Moon, bringing back samples from the Moon, construction and operation of the Indian Space Station (BAS), etc. Through this mission, India is on track to become the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology.
See, how ISRO did this experiment
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SpaDeX Docking Update:
At 15m we see each other clearer and clearer, we are just 50 feet away for an exciting handshake 🤝 #SPADEX #ISRO
— ISRO (@isro) January 11, 2025
‘We’re just 50 feet apart’
ISRO had earlier said about the two satellites coming closer that when these two satellites will be at a distance of 15 meters, we will be able to see each other more clearly. We’re only 50 feet away. After this, the thrill increased further when both the spacecraft came within 3 meters of each other. Both of them looked at each other and then ISRO started separating them again. ISRO said in its next tweet that both are being taken back to a safe distance. The data from this meeting will be analyzed.
What is SpaDex mission all about?
ISRO has two satellites in this mission. The name of the first satellite is Chaser and the name of the second is Target. According to ISRO, the chaser satellite will catch the target and do the docking. It is being told that apart from this there may be one more important test. According to the information received from ISRO, a robotic arm is protruding from this satellite, which will pull the target towards itself through a hook i.e. in a tethered manner.
What is space docking?
Experts say that space docking is a process in which two spacecraft or satellites first come very close to each other and then join together. This is a complex process. It is especially used in space missions. There are some important purposes behind docking. By doing this, by connecting two satellites to each other, data can be shared, power sources can be connected or any special mission can be carried out. During space docking, one spacecraft is brought near another spacecraft and has to be connected using a very controlled method.
