Chaser and Target finally shook hands. The two satellites launched by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) have successfully docked in space. The Indian space agency had expected an “exciting handshake” earlier in January. The milestone was reached early Thursday, January 16.
This historic achievement made India the fourth largest country in the world – after Russia, the United States and China – and part of the 'elite club of nations' with space docking capabilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called “the successful demonstration of docking of satellites in space” an “important stepping stone for India's ambitious space missions in the coming years.”
What is the mission of ISRO SpaDex?
ISRO launched the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission in late December on board PSLV-C60 and innovative payloads. The mission consists of two small spacecraft (approximately 220 kg each).
The mission aimed to develop and demonstrate the technology required for spacecraft rendezvous, docking and undocking of two small spacecraft.
The ISRO also wanted to “demonstrate controllability in docked conditions to extend the service life of target spacecraft and test power transfer between docked satellites.”
The docking process involved controlling two satellites – Chaser and Target – as a single object in space. “Post docking, control of two satellites as one object is successful. Disconnection and power transfer checks will follow in the coming days,” ISRO tweeted while announcing the historic feat.
Earlier, ISRO's docking attempts were postponed due to technical issues.
What is docking?
ISRO said docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common objectives of space missions.
“If you have multiple objects in space and we need to bring them together for a specific purpose, we need a mechanism called docking,” former ISRO chairman Somanath explained earlier.
Somanath said initially a mechanism comes and connects and later a sealed connection is made.
“Suppose you want to build a space station. Not everything is launched at once. Modules follow each other. They are linked together to build a long, big, complex space station,” he had explained in an interview NDTV.
Somanath then cited the United States International Space Station as an example. He said, “For example, on the International Space Station, when a crew module connects to the station, you equalize the pressure and transfer people.”
The Indian Space Agency said the SPADEX is “a critical project designed to develop and demonstrate the technology required for rendezvous, docking and undocking of spacecraft using two small satellites.”
Meanwhile, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) defined docking as “mating operations in which an active vehicle flies into the mating interface under its own power.”
Science Direct also explained that spacecraft docking has important applications, such as transporting supplies to crewed space stations, refueling space vehicles, and recovering daughter spacecraft separated from the parent spacecraft.
What does 'docking in space' mean for India?
Docking is a “game-changing technology” that will prove to be a game-changer for several space missions planned for the ISRO in the future.
Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said this docking facility will pave the way for the smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan 4. The mechanism will also help during human space missions – by providing a Indian astronaut to the moon.
India hopes to send an Indian astronaut to the moon by 2040, set up the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and launch the Chandrayaan-4 mission to bring back lunar samples by 2027. Space docking will also be useful in future Gaganyaan missions.
“SPADEX will serve as a milestone in advancing India's capabilities in space docking, a critical technology for future space missions including satellite servicing, space station operations and interplanetary missions,” ISRO said.
It added: “By mastering rendezvous and docking technologies, ISRO will increase its operational flexibility and broaden its mission horizons.”
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