"Lobia seeds germinated within four days of launch": Scientist RC Kapoor

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 8 : As the docking date for Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Spadex mission nears, Scientist and retired Professor Ramesh Chander Kapoor said that one of the most interesting experiments has been the germination of lobia (cowpea) seeds, within four days of rocket launch carrying the satellites.
"One of the most interesting experiments is micro-biological studies as well as how life is supported in space. Lobia seeds have already germinated within four days of launch," Kapoor told ANI.
"An exciting moment is ahead of us because ISRO is going to test in-orbit docking mechanism technology, which it has indigenously developed. ISRO has launched twin satellites in space using the PSLV rocket. The orbit is 470 km above the ground and the two satellites are given the same orbit around the earth," he added.
The scientist explained that ISRO ensured that the two satellites maintained a distance of 20 kms when they separated in space. Kapoor said that IRSO was testing the in-orbit docking mechanism, where they are getting ready to bring the two satellites closer.
"However, ISRO made sure that a certain relative velocity was given between the two (satellites) so that they could maintain a distance of 20 kilometres when separated, even though they occupy the same orbit. ISRO's idea is to test out in-orbit docking mechanism. ISRO is getting ready to gradually bring the two satellites closer to each other while still maintaining the same orbit," the retired professor said.
Kapoor further said that the satellites weigh around 220 kilograms each and they will have to be "perfectly" aligned while maintaining their velocity.
"It looks easy but the process remains complicated. Both satellites are identical and each weight around 220 kgs. There will be a guidance algorithm for this task and they will have to be perfectly aligned all while maintaining their velocity," he added.
The scientist informed that the distance between the two satellites will be reduced to five kilometres and slowly to three meters, where they will maintain the speed of one centimetre per second.
"From the 20-kilometre separation, the distance will be reduced to five kilometres, followed by 1.5 kms, 500 metres, and three metres. At this time, the speed between the two will be maintained at one centimetre per second. After the docking of the two satellites, ISRO will test the transfer of electric power between the two. After a while, undocking will also happen because the satellites have their own payload," Kapoor added.
ISRO announced the postponement of the docking of its Spadex mission program, initially scheduled for January 7, 2025. The new date for the docking will likely happen on January 9, 2025. ISRO has not provided any specific reason for the change in schedule.