The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted its ambitious Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), as per reports.
India becomes the fourth country in the world to demonstrate in-space docking technology, after USA, China and Russia.
SpaDeX Docking Update:
Post docking, control of two satellites as a single object is successful.
Undocking and power transfer checks to follow in coming days.
— ISRO (@isro) January 16, 2025
SpaDeX Docking Update:
🌟Docking Success
Spacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment.
Let’s walk through the SpaDeX docking process:
Manoeuvre from 15m to 3m hold point completed. Docking initiated with precision, leading to successful spacecraft capture.…
— ISRO (@isro) January 16, 2025
SpaDeX involved two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), which were launched on December 30, 2024, aboard the PSLV C60 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Each satellite weighs approximately 220 kg and was deployed into a 475-km circular orbit.
The mission aims to demonstrate cost-effective in-space docking technology, a critical requirement for India’s future space initiatives such as sample return missions, lunar exploration, and the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
ISRO conducted a trial maneuver on January 12, bringing the satellites within three meters of each other before separating them again to analyze the data. This trial paved the way for the successful docking attempt.
“SpaDeX will serve as a milestone in advancing India’s capabilities in space docking, a critical technology for future missions including satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary exploration,” ISRO stated.
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