ISRO Successfully Docks Two Satellites, Power Exchange Starts

As the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully docked two low-orbit satellites — SDX-01 and SDX-02 (Target and Chaser) — as part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on Monday morning, scientists said there is no time to relax as challenges are still on.

- BOSKY KHANNA @ Bengaluru

The scientists are now monitoring the transfer of energy from one satellite to the other. "This work is more crucial than docking and undocking. The success and progress of transfer of energy, which is also one of the parts of the experimental mission, will decide the future course of action of ISRO's missions," ISRO sources said.

"The exercise of switching off the energy of one satellite and using solar energy to transfer power to the other satellite and vice-versa is being done. A continuous supply of power and then a sudden stop and its impact also needs to be studied. There is no time limit for the experiments as the two satellites can live for 10-15 years."