1. Historic Achievement:
India became the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to successfully conduct a satellite docking experiment.
2. Mission Details:
Satellites: Two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), were launched by the PSLV C60 rocket on December 30, 2023.
Docking Procedure:
A series of precise maneuvers brought the Chaser satellite within 3 meters of the Target satellite.
Docking was initiated, resulting in the successful capture of the Target satellite by the Chaser.
The connection was then stabilized through a retraction and rigidization process.
3. Post-Docking Activities:
ISRO took control of the combined spacecraft as a single entity.
Undocking and power transfer checks were planned for the following days.
4. Mission Objectives:
Technology Development: To develop and demonstrate crucial technologies for spacecraft maneuvers, essential for future missions like human spaceflight to the moon and the establishment of an Indian space station.
Power Transfer: To demonstrate the transfer of electrical power between docked spacecraft, crucial for future applications such as in-space robotics, composite spacecraft control, and payload operations.
5. Future Plans:
After successful docking, undocking, and power transfer demonstrations, the spacecraft will be separated and utilized for their respective application missions.
The expected mission life for both satellites is up to two years.
6. Significance:
This successful docking experiment marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration program, showcasing its growing capabilities in advanced space technologies.
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