नवीनतम
ISRO again postpones docking experiment of 2 SpaDex satellites
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed the docking experiment of its two satellites rotating in low Earth orbit under the SpaDex mission. The Space Agency has tweeted that the decision to postpone docking was taken due to the detection of excess drift between the two satellites. The drift was observed when ISRO undertook a manoeuvre to reduce the distance between the satellites to 225 meters. The drift exceeding expectations was during the non-visibility period. ISRO had earlier scheduled docking of satellites on January 7 and thereafter today. Due to the unexpected drift in the satellites, ISRO has revised the timeline which will be announced soon. The tweet says that both the satellites SDX01, Chaser, and SDX02 also known as Target, are safe and functioning normally. The ISRO rocket PSLV C60 had successfully placed the satellites in its intended orbit on December 30th. Both the satellites weighing 220 kg are orbiting at an altitude of 475 km from Earth.
Docking two satellites moving in an orbit requires complex orbital manoeuvres. ISRO uses onboard propulsion systems on one of the two satellites to gradually reduce the gap between the two satellites in space. An inter-satellite radio frequency link will be activated to allow communication between the two satellites. After this real-time data exchange of position will be possible to enable coupling of two satellites at a controlled speed. Several new sensors developed by ISRO for this mission will play a key role in guiding the docking of two satellites in space. The Chaser satellite will hug the Target satellite with the help of latches and clamps on both sides. A ring on the chaser satellite will retract and pull the target satellite to tighten the hold. Once docking is accomplished, power transfer will be executed when electricity flows from one satellite to another to power a heater. Both satellites will be controlled by a single control system.
The docking operation is essential for future missions like Chandrayaan 4 and Bhartiya Antriksh station. This technology is needed for satellite servicing, and satellite repairs in space and space station operations. India will be the fourth country in the world to acquire this technology.
