Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) gave a big update on the SpaDeX mission on Sunday morning. ISRO said that the trial attempt to increase the distance between the two satellites to 15 meters and further to 3 meters has been successful. Now the spacecrafts have been taken back to a safe distance. The docking process will be carried out after further analysis of the data of this trial attempt.

ISRO said that the docking process has been stopped for the time being. Now a decision will be taken after data analysis. According to ISRO sources, this may take a long time.

What is the SpaDeX mission?

The SpaDeX mission consists of two satellites, one being the chaser and the other being the target. 

• The chaser will catch the satellite target and will dock with it. 
• Apart from this, there can be one more important test. A robotic arm has come out from the satellite, which will pull the target towards itself through a hook i.e. in a tethered manner. 
•  This target can be a different CubeSat. This experiment will provide ISRO with the technology to bring back a satellite that has left orbit and is moving in a different direction. 
• Additionally, the option for in-orbit servicing and refueling will also open up. 
• The Spadex mission will feature two separate spacecraft connecting in space.

What is the process of docking?

• In space docking, two satellites come very close to each other and join together.
• This is a complex technical process, which is especially used in space missions.
• The main purpose of docking is to connect two satellites to each other to share data, connect power sources or to carry out a specific mission.
• During space docking, one spacecraft has to be brought close to another spacecraft and connected in a controlled manner, so that no damage occurs.