The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday deferred the space docking experiment of satellites, for a second time, citing an excessive drift between the mission satellites.
The mission, known as the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), was originally scheduled for Tuesday. However, it was later postponed to Thursday.
In a post on X on Wednesday, the Bengaluru-based space agency announced the latest delay but did not provide the next date for docking.
“While making a maneuver to reach 225 m between satellites the drift was found to be more than expected, post non-visibility period. The planned docking for tomorrow is postponed. Satellites are safe. Stay tuned for updates,” it wrote on the micro-blogging site.
The SpaDEX is a pivotal project, which is designed to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking using two small satellites, the space agency said.
“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 in an explainer.
