India Space Indian Space Program

[Nilgiri]

The docking may be attempted a few more times, but it may be delayed till March:

Isro might have to wait till March to dock SpaDeX satellites if...

After several postponements, the agency is now analysing sensor data from January 11, when the two satellites, just three meters apart and aligned for docking, were triggered into safe mode.

www.indiatoday.in

 

[kakaliam2]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1879749119759311078

 

[Gessler]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1879749119759311078

Let's goooo!

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1879754403306967291

This is a crucial step to prove for the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 sample return mission which would involve a lot of docking & un-docking! Not to mention, a scaled-up version will go on our Space Station as well.

Btw, our docking mechanism is meant to be compatible with the NASA/ISS standard so possibility of international collaboration would also be open.

 

[kakaliam2]

Let's goooo!

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1879754403306967291

This is a crucial step to prove for the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 sample return mission which would involve a lot of docking & un-docking! Not to mention, a scaled-up version will go on our Space Station as well.

Btw, our docking mechanism is meant to be compatible with the NASA/ISS standard so possibility of international collaboration would also be open.

I wonder would this docking be rudimentary compared to pressurised Vehicle docking like we seen in Crewed Modules? Or is it something depends entirely on Module itself?

 

[Nilgiri]

I wonder would this docking be rudimentary compared to pressurised Vehicle docking like we seen in Crewed Modules? Or is it something depends entirely on Module itself?

I would say the main technologies involved (sensoring, precise control and maneuver) are now proven.

Pressurized docking would just need confirmation of perfect seal for an air lock. If that wasn't validated this time, it shouldn't be too difficult for a future mission that scales what was proven here.

 

[Nilgiri]

CNN reporting on the SPADEX success:

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/15/india/india-space-docking-attempt-intl-hnk/index.html

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https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1879754403306967291

 

[Nilgiri]

@Saithan thanks for all the likes, you saw the mission in accelerated format on your end

 

[Saithan]

@Saithan thanks for all the likes, you saw the mission in accelerated format on your end

Oh yes, and the progress made is very impressive, especially what was achieved in 2024. A lot of work and planning was put into this and to succeed without fail is testament to how dedicated and competent the people in these projects are

 

[kakaliam2]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1880468044692222010

 

[kakaliam2]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1880468044692222010

This restart capability is for ADMIRE Program to demonstrate VTVL.

On a broader note, it seems the Indian Space Industry unlike the MIC doesn't suffer from any penny pinching or short-term band aid solutions. The first steps were hard, but moving on and on akin to a snowball effect their capabilities are growing larger, the last 5 years were significant.