The launch vehicle will guide them to a circular orbit of 470 kilometers. After docking operations between the two satellites, they are expected to separate at a distance of about 10 to 20 km between them, the space agency said.

According to ISRO, Spadex is a mission to demonstrate cost-effective technology that enables docking actions in space using two small spacecraft.

It means it is essential to India’s space ambitions, such as previous lunar missions, the return of samples from Earth’s natural satellite, and the construction and operation of the space station.

Spadex consists of two satellites designed to align in the same orbit, reducing the distance between them, and joining and transferring electrical energy.

After separation, the payloads on board the two will continue to function for two years, ISRO said.

The mission will also be a test for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV) that India has started producing for commercial purposes.

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