ISRO has successfully conducted the SpaDeX experiment, achieving the docking and subsequent undocking of two satellites. This accomplishment makes India the fourth country capable of this technology. While an essential power transfer experiment faced challenges, the mission remains on track for future objectives, including India’s planned modular space station and crewed missions.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is orchestrating a remarkable celestial ballet involving two satellites that rotate around each other at a speed of 28,800 kilometers per hour, a rate ten times faster than a bullet. This intricate maneuver occurs every 90 minutes, approximately 500 kilometers above Earth, and is part of the Space Docking Experiment, known as SpaDeX, initiated by ISRO in December.

India achieved a significant milestone by successfully docking the two satellites—a ‘chaser’ and a ‘target’—on January 16, followed by their undocking on March 13. With this accomplishment, India joins the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China as the fourth nation to master this advanced space technology. Remarkably, ISRO accomplished this feat during its maiden launch using the indigenously developed Bharatiya Docking System, all within a budget of less than Rs 300 crore.

However, the mission encountered a challenge; the critical experiment involving the transfer of electrical power between the satellites was not completed due to a suspected misalignment of the power transfer ports. Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed that this task is postponed for a subsequent phase, though he reassured that there is sufficient fuel to continue the mission in May.

ISRO previously outlined that SpaDeX’s primary goals include developing and demonstrating the technology necessary for rendezvous and docking of spacecraft, as well as enhancing the life of the target craft. Furthermore, secondary objectives encompass autonomous payload operations performed by the spacecraft after docking.

In response to SpaDeX’s success, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Science Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh praised ISRO’s efforts, viewing this achievement as a major step toward India’s ambitious future space endeavors, including the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, Chandrayaan 4, and Gaganyaan.

In summary, ISRO’s successful execution of the SpaDeX experiment marks a pivotal achievement in India’s space exploration efforts, enabling the country to join the elite ranks of space-faring nations proficient in satellite docking technology. While challenges remain, the project continues to pave the way for ambitious future missions, affirming India’s commitment to advancing its technological capabilities in space.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com

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