The Indian space agency Isro has successfully conducted space docking for the first time, joining two spacecraft in orbit. This breakthrough is crucial for future missions, including building an Indian space station and sending a person to the Moon.
The SpaDeX Mission
The mission, called SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment), launched from Sriharikota on 30 December. The spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), were launched together but separated in space. The docking was initially set for 7 January but was delayed multiple times for additional testing.
Significant Achievement
On Thursday, Isro announced its historic achievement, becoming only the fourth country to dock spacecraft in orbit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated this as a significant step toward India’s ambitious space goals.
Docking Process
The two spacecraft were placed at different velocities to create a 10-20km gap after separation. Scientists gradually reduced the distance between them to 3 metres before connecting them. This process, requiring extreme precision, was described by Isro’s chief, S Somanath, as a complex task.
Future Experiments
In the coming days, the mission will transfer electrical power from the Chaser to the Target, demonstrating spacecraft servicing capabilities in space. Additionally, the mission will test inter-satellite communication and deploy scientific instruments to measure space radiation and monitor Earth’s natural resources.
Use of Rocket Parts
Isro is also utilizing part of the rocket, which would typically become space debris, for important experiments in orbit. The PS4-Orbital Experiment Module, or Poem, carries 24 payloads and has already completed successful experiments, including seed germination in microgravity and testing a robotic arm for future space station construction and lunar missions.
Stay tuned Technokraze India News!
