Wed Jan 08 16:20:56 UTC 2025: ## ISRO Postpones Space Docking Experiment Again Due to Unexpected Satellite Drift

**Bengaluru, India –** The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a second postponement of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), citing unexpected drift between the two participating satellites. The experiment, initially scheduled for Tuesday and then rescheduled for Thursday, has been delayed indefinitely.

ISRO revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that during a maneuver to reduce the distance between the satellites to 225 meters, a greater-than-anticipated drift occurred after a period of non-visibility. The agency emphasized that the satellites remain safe and assured the public that updates will be provided as they become available.

The SpaDeX mission, launched on December 30th via a PSLV rocket, involves two 220-kg satellites designed to demonstrate autonomous rendezvous, docking, and undocking capabilities. This complex maneuver, previously mastered only by China, the US, and Russia, is a crucial step towards enabling future satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary missions.

ISRO had previously postponed the experiment due to the need for further ground simulations based on an identified abort scenario. The docking process involves a series of progressively closer approaches, culminating in the transfer of electrical power between the satellites to confirm successful docking. ISRO Chairman S Somanth had previously stated that the docking would only proceed after thorough sensor calibration and testing, along with ground validation of all algorithms and scenarios.

The successful completion of the SpaDeX mission will mark a significant advancement in India’s space technology capabilities. ISRO has not yet announced a new date for the docking attempt.

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