SpaDeX Satellites Drift Apart, Docking of Satellites For The 9th Postponed For 2nd Time
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has once again postponed the
planned docking of its SpaDeX satellites, which was initially scheduled for
January 9, 2025. This follows an earlier rescheduling from January 7 due to
unexpected satellite drift during manoeuvres intended to bring the two
satellites closer together. The drift was found to exceed expectations after a
non-visibility period when the satellites could not be tracked by ground
stations.
ISRO reported that while attempting to reduce the distance between the two
satellites—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)—from 500 meters to 225 meters,
they encountered issues that necessitated further ground simulations to ensure
accuracy before proceeding with the docking. As of now, the two satellites
remain safe and are approximately 600 meters apart.
While making a maneuver to reach 225 m between satellites the drift was found to be more than expected, post non-visibility period.
— ISRO (@isro) January 8, 2025
The planned docking for tomorrow is postponed. Satellites are safe.
Stay tuned for updates.#ISRO #SPADEX
The SpaDeX mission is significant as it aims to demonstrate India's capability
in space docking technology, positioning India among the few countries with
this capability, which is essential for future missions involving heavy
payloads and complex operations like the Bharatiya Antariksha Station planned
for 2028.
ISRO
