Isro undocks SpaDex satellites, could try more docking trials

BENGALURU: Several weeks after it first achieved docking of two satellites in house as a part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex) mission, Isro Wednesday stated it has efficiently undocked the 2 satellites. This probably paves approach for more docking makes an attempt utilizing the identical satellites as Isro had stated it might do after the preliminary docking.
The house company stated that the sequence for undocking was extension of the second satellite tv for pc, launch of the lever, disengagement of the lever and issuance of the “decapture” command between the 2 satellites.
“Finally, successful undocking,” Isro stated, with out giving out particulars about when the stated undocking of the satellites was carried out or sharing any of the satellite tv for pc parametres. Isro has additionally not shared particulars about important processes together with energy switch submit docking on Jan 16.
Isro chairman V Narayanan had instructed TOI on Feb 17 that each satellites had been wholesome. “The satellites, which were previously controlled independently, now function as a single unit. The next phase involves establishing power transfer between the modules, a crucial step for future missions including Chandrayaan-4, where multiple docking operations will be required,” he had stated.
While Isro has accomplished the primary essential docking manoeuvre, SpaDeX will proceed for an prolonged interval. “…This is not a one-time operation. We’ll conduct multiple docking attempts to demonstrate our capability to perform the procedure reliably and repeatedly beginning mid-March,” Narayanan had stated.
Now that the undocking is full, more docking makes an attempt are anticipated to guage: How exactly Isro can execute a number of docking maneuvers, how properly the algorithms carry out beneath numerous situations, how the built-in inertial techniques operate and the way the propulsion system performs throughout repeated operations.
As first reported by TOI in January, for the subsequent part of docking trials, Isro plans to separate the satellites by shorter distances, probably not exceeding 100 metres, not like the preliminary strategy.