The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a two-day delay in its highly anticipated satellite docking experiment, rescheduling the event from January 7 to January 9. The space agency confirmed that both satellites involved in the mission are safe, but additional validation is required before proceeding with the docking process.
The docking experiment, part of ISRO’s SpaDeX mission, is a significant milestone for India’s space program, marking the nation’s attempt to achieve satellite docking—an advanced maneuver mastered by only a few countries including the US, Russia, and China.
A Complex Process
The mission began on December 30, 2024, when ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) successfully launched twin 220-kg satellites into a 470-km circular orbit. The two satellites, separated by 20 km, will undergo the docking procedure, where one satellite, called the “chaser,” will approach the other, the “target,” in a carefully calibrated sequence.
The docking process involves reducing the distance between the two satellites in stages—starting from 5 km, narrowing down to 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and ultimately 3 m before achieving the precise docking. The maneuver is expected to be performed at a speed of 10 nm per second, with the chaser attaching itself securely to the target once the two satellites are aligned.
Ground Simulations and Safety Checks
ISRO’s chief, S. Somanth, emphasized that the docking exercise would only take place after all sensors, algorithms, and safety scenarios are fully calibrated and tested on the ground. These measures are designed to ensure the success of the autonomous docking process.
Additionally, to confirm the docking’s success, electrical power will be transferred between the satellites, signaling the successful docking and their ability to function as a single unit. Afterward, the two satellites will be separated, and both will resume their independent functions.
Future Implications for India’s Space Program
The success of the Bhartiya Docking System, which was developed indigenously, is crucial for the realization of future space missions. Notably, the success of this docking maneuver is integral to completing programs such as Chandrayaan 4, the Bhartiya Antariksh Station, and the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send humans to space.
ISRO’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space technology is on full display, with the space agency focused on ensuring the success of this groundbreaking experiment while maintaining rigorous safety protocols. The delay will allow ISRO to validate the system further and ensure the safety of the satellites during the complex docking maneuver.
Sources By Agencies
