SpaDeX Mission: ISRO completes second satellite docking successfully

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan stated that the SpaDeX mission's results will play a crucial role in upcoming missions, such as Chandrayaan 4, Gaganyaan, and India's space station, laying a strong foundation for future crewed spaceflights and lunar exploration

India’s space program has achieved another significant milestone with the successful completion of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), a mission that positions the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at the forefront of advanced space technology. The successful docking and undocking of two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), were carried out in a 460-kilometre circular orbit, showcasing ISRO’s expertise in orbital mechanics.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh celebrated the achievement, confirming on X (formerly Twitter), “Glad to inform that the second docking of satellites has been accomplished successfully.” The mission, which was completed in a single attempt, highlights ISRO’s growing capabilities in the complex field of orbital rendezvous and satellite docking.

The SpaDeX mission began with the launch of the PSLV-C60 rocket on December 30, 2024, which placed the two satellites into a 475-kilometre orbit. The first docking operation was successfully executed on January 16, 2025, at 6:20 a.m., making India the fourth country, after the United States, Russia, and China, to achieve such a feat. This was followed by a successful undocking of the satellites on March 13 at 9:20 a.m., validating ISRO's technological advancements in space operations.

SpaDeX paves the way for future missions

The SpaDeX mission is considered a "cost-effective technology demonstrator" that focuses on in-space docking using small satellites. The process involved a series of challenging manoeuvres, including orbital rendezvous and precise proximity operations. These operations were conducted with high precision, demonstrating ISRO’s potential for complex space missions.

According to ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, the results of SpaDeX will be crucial for several upcoming missions, including Chandrayaan 4, Gaganyaan, and the development of India’s own space station. The successful completion of this experiment lays a strong foundation for ISRO’s future space exploration plans, including the potential for crewed spaceflights and further lunar exploration.

In addition to the operational success, the SpaDeX mission has reinforced ISRO’s global reputation as a leader in space technology. Minister Singh confirmed that further experiments are planned in the coming weeks to enhance ISRO’s docking capabilities, with the aim of refining these technologies for future missions.

With the SpaDeX mission, ISRO has demonstrated its readiness for more advanced space operations, laying the groundwork for India’s ambitious goals in space exploration. As the country prepares for missions like Chandrayaan 4 and Gaganyaan, SpaDeX stands as a crucial step in ensuring the success of these high-profile projects.