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ISRO successfully docks two satellites in Space under Spadex Mission in fourth attempt

On Sunday (January 12), ISRO carried out a trial attempt by bringing both the Chaser and Target satellites three metres closer to each other. Afterwards, the satellites were moved apart to safer distances. The space agency is analysing the data for successfully carrying out docking soon.

ISRO successfully executes satellite docking under Spadex Mission
ISRO successfully executes satellite docking under Spadex Mission Image Source : ISRO
Edited By: Saumya Nigam @snigam04
New DelhiPublished: , Updated:

ISRO achieved a major milestone on Thursday with its fourth attempt at docking two satellites in space as part of the Spadex mission. According to ISRO sources, scientists have successfully executed the docking maneuver. Currently, the team is conducting detailed data analysis to validate the success of the operation. An official announcement is expected to follow after the data review is complete.

"ISRO successfully completed docking of two SPADEX satellites (SDX-01 & SDX-02) in the early hours of 16 January, 2025," the space agency said on X. 

A historic achievement for India

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully docked two satellites in space under its SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission. With this accomplishment, India became the fourth country after the United States, Russia, and China to demonstrate satellite docking capabilities.

Successful docking after initial delays

After earlier postponements on January 7 and 9 due to technical issues, the docking process was completed on Thursday. This comes days after ISRO conducted a trial on January 12, bringing the satellites as close as 3 meters before moving them apart to safe distances for further analysis.

ISRO sources confirmed the success of the mission and mentioned that an official announcement will follow after video analysis.

SpaDeX: A game-changing technology demonstrator

The SpaDeX mission, launched on December 30 via PSLV, involved two 220-kg satellites: SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target). Positioned in low-Earth orbit about 20 km apart, these satellites gradually reduced their distance for a final rendezvous and docking.

  • This docking experiment serves as a critical technology demonstrator for future Indian missions, including:
  • Chandrayaan-4: Designed to return lunar samples to Earth, involving a re-entry module docking with a transfer module.
  • Bharatiya Antariksh Station: India’s planned space station with modular components launching in 2028.
  • Human Moon Mission: Expected by 2040, requiring advanced docking technologies.

Challenges and leadership transition

The docking timeline coincided with ISRO's leadership transition, as V. Narayanan assumed the role of ISRO’s new director on January 14. Despite initial setbacks, ISRO’s team ensured the mission's success, reflecting its resilience and technical prowess.

Future missions

This achievement marks a significant leap in India’s space exploration capabilities, enabling advanced missions like sample returns, space station assembly, and interplanetary exploration. With SpaDeX, ISRO continues to solidify its position as a global space leader.

ALSO READ: ISRO's SpaDeX mission postponed for the third time: Here's why

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