ISRO Successfully Conducts Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX), Joining Elite Global Space Nations
Bengaluru – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic milestone on Thursday by successfully docking two satellites under its Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX). Following the docking, ISRO also announced the successful establishment of control over the two satellites as a single entity, marking a significant technological leap for India.
Pioneering Achievement in Space Exploration
ISRO celebrated the success on social media platform X, stating, “India has etched its name in space history. Good morning, India! The SPADEX mission has achieved historic success in docking. Proud to witness this moment.”
With this achievement, India joins the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China as the fourth nation to demonstrate space docking technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists and the space community on X, saying, “Congratulations to ISRO’s scientists and the entire space community for the successful demonstration of satellite docking in space. This is a vital step forward for India’s ambitious space missions in the years to come.”
Future Testing and Milestones
ISRO stated that after successfully docking the two satellites, the team is now set to conduct further tests, including "undocking" and "power transfer." Earlier on January 12, ISRO performed a prelude test by bringing two spacecraft within three meters of each other and then safely moving them apart.
The SPADEX mission was officially launched on December 30, 2024, with two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket. The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, carrying 24 payloads, and deployed the 220-kilogram satellites into a circular orbit at an altitude of 475 kilometers.
Significance of Space Docking Technology
Space docking technology is critical for advanced space missions requiring multiple rocket launches to achieve objectives. These include lunar missions, sample retrieval from celestial bodies, and the construction and operation of India's upcoming space station (Bharatiya Antariksheya Station - BAS).
SPADEX demonstrates India's capability to develop cost-effective technologies for space docking, paving the way for future endeavors like lunar research, interplanetary missions, and building a sustainable human presence in space.
This milestone reinforces India’s growing prowess in space exploration and its vision to expand its capabilities for global collaboration in advanced space technologies.
