The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a trial attempt to dock its two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), as part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission early on Sunday.

The two satellites successfully maneuvered to a distance of 15 meters apart before approaching each other to within 3 meters.

ISRO stated, "A trial attempt to reach 15 meters and further to 3 meters was made. We are now moving the spacecraft back to a safe distance. The docking process will proceed after further analysis of the data." Initially scheduled for January 7, the docking attempt had been postponed to January 9 due to technical issues. 

The agency had expressed excitement about the proximity of the satellites, stating, "At 15 meters, we see each other more clearly, and we are just 50 feet away for an exciting handshake."

Launched on December 30, 2024, aboard a PSLV C60 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the SpaDeX mission includes two small satellites, each weighing about 220 kg. These satellites were placed into a circular orbit at an altitude of 475 kilometers.

The mission is a technology demonstrator for in-space docking, a capability currently possessed by only three countries: the United States, Russia, and China.

It represents a cost-effective step toward autonomous spacecraft rendezvous and docking, a critical component for future space exploration missions. The successful execution of the SpaDeX mission is pivotal to India's growing space ambitions, including lunar missions and plans for the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).

As ISRO continues to monitor the health of both satellites, space enthusiasts eagerly await the next steps in this groundbreaking mission.

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 analysing data further.

Stay tuned for updates.#SpaDeX #ISRO

— ISRO (@isro) January 12, 2025