New Delhi [India], April 21: In a major milestone for India’s space exploration ambitions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday successfully completed the second docking of satellites under its groundbreaking SPADEX mission, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed.
Taking to social media platform X, Singh shared the news:
“Glad to inform that the second docking of satellites has been accomplished successfully.”
🚀 About the SPADEX Mission
The PSLV-C60/SPADEX mission was launched on December 30, 2024, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, using the trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). It involves two satellites — SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) — built to demonstrate in-space docking technology, a critical capability for future space station operations, satellite servicing, and deep space missions.
- First docking: January 16, 2025, at 6:20 a.m.
- Successful undocking: March 13, 2025, at 9:20 a.m.
- Second docking: April 21, 2025 (announced today)
🛰️ Significance of the Achievement
With this successful second docking, India becomes the fourth country — after the United States, Russia, and China — to develop and demonstrate space docking technology. This sets the stage for future missions including:
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) – India’s upcoming space station
- Lunar missions – including human landings and sample return missions
- Modular spacecraft assembly – essential for long-duration interplanetary travel
🔧 How the Docking Works
SPADEX involves precision manoeuvres for spacecraft rendezvous, capture, and docking. The satellites:
- Approach each other in orbit
- Use robotic mechanisms and levers for mechanical locking
- Share power and data interfaces after successful engagement
- Later, disengage with controlled undocking procedures
🧪 What’s Next?
ISRO has announced that further experiments involving the SPADEX spacecraft will take place within the next two weeks, to continue validating and refining this critical technology.
🇮🇳 A Proud Moment for India
The SPADEX project was led by the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) with contributions from ISRO centres like:
- VSSC (Vehicle design)
- LPSC (Propulsion)
- SAC, LEOS, and IISU
This success brings ISRO a step closer to achieving self-reliance in advanced space operations and crewed lunar missions, and places India among the top-tier nations with orbital servicing capabilities.