Isro attempts & succeeds in ‘rolling’ SpaDeX satellites, learning key for future docking | India News

BENGALURU: Isro, which lately undocked the 2 satellites a part of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on March 13, has efficiently accomplished one other experiment — the “rolling” or “rotating” experiment — which concerned circumnavigation of one of many satellites and bringing it again to the identical spot.
This experiment, being likened to the Chandrayaan-3 “hop” experiment the area company carried out on Moon in phrases of learning it supplies for future missions, would assist Isro validate a number of softwares, floor station management and extra.
Isro chairman V Narayanan confirmed to TOI that the experiment was carried out final week, and stated: “We’ve completed the rolling experiment. The satellites have a lot of propellant… I have only told [the teams] one thing, please do everything [on] simulation on ground [first]. Let us be very careful. Let us not make any mistakes as a wealth of data can be generated [through various experiments].
What was done
So, what exactly did Isro do? Imagine you and your friend outside a coffee shop on Church Street (Bengaluru).
After a long hug (docking), your friend has taken a few steps away (undocking) from you while still in your line of sight. Now, your friend either does a somersault or runs around making a circle, returning to her/his original position. That’s what happened with the satellite in the latest experiment.
During the whole time, the satellite performing the experiment was in the line of vision of the other satellite. The experiment was to help Isro validate its control over satellite manoeuvring from ground — that means a slew of softwares, sensors, positioning tech etc. There is no immediate confirmation if the satellite did the circumnavigation (do the full circle) horizontally or vertically (somersault).
Why it’s important
As reported by TOI earlier, Isro’s first docking on Jan 16, was only the first step towards Isro mastering this technology that is critical for several future missions, including the Chandrayaan-4 sample return mission to the Moon and human spaceflight missions part of the extended Gaganyaan programme.
Isro will need to dock in various conditions, some of which will be attempted as part of the current mission. Isro will conduct more docking as part of SpaDeX. “The next slot is only next month. We are planning many things,” Narayanan stated.
Last week’s experiment will assist Isro perceive what it takes to carry an object to a desired spot from totally different orientations for docking. It may also assist Isro be taught whether or not docking could possibly be accomplished vertically and so forth.
With a variety of gas left in the satellite tv for pc, Isro is predicted to hold out extra experiments. Afterall, SpaDex is an experimental mission and Isro is hoping to benefit from it. Also, as soon as the following docking is full, there shall be one other try to do energy switch between the satellites, learning from which — some classes have already been learnt from the primary try — shall be essential for future mission design and growth.