ISRO Achieves Successful Space Docking With SpaDeX Mission: India Enters Elite Club

ISRO successfully achieved space docking with the SpaDeX mission, marking India's entry into the elite group of space-docking nations.

Hyderabad:The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the docking part of the SpaDeX mission. With this, India has become the fourth country to achieve space docking.

Last week, the space agency completed a trial attempt where the two satellites were brought within three metres and then moved back to a safe distance for further data analysis before attempting the docking. It has now successfully completed the docking, which involved docking initiation with precision, leading to successful spacecraft capture. It followed retraction and then rigidisation for stability to complete the mission.

The mission also includes post-docking activities, such as spacecraft conducting independent payload operations. ISRO confirmed the control of two satellites as a single object a success as well. It will test undocking and power transfer checks in the coming days.

"Spacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment," ISRO posted on X (formerly Twitter). The space agency and its new Chairman Dr V Narayanan congratulated the entire team and the country for the achievement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated ISRO scientists and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. "It is a significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions in the years to come," PM Modi said.

ISRO's SpaDeX mission and its significance

Docking technology, in general, is crucial for building larger structures in space and enables tasks like refuelling and maintaining satellites, supporting sample return missions, and reducing space debris. Combining components from multiple rocket launches, the technology enables crew transfers for long missions and makes space exploration more efficient and sustainable.

SpaDeX is a pivotal project for ISRO as it showcases the country's capability to develop technologies for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking using two small satellites. These capabilities are critical for future missions, including satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary exploration.

SpaDeX's success propels ISRO into the elite club of nations that have achieved space docking. This technology is essential for the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and will help ISRO achieve more complex objectives. SpaDeX will aid future Indian space missions, including Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan.

The mission was launched from Sriharikota aboard PSLV-C60 on December 30 to demonstrate in-space docking using two small satellites. The docking was initially expected to take place on January 7, 2025, at noon. Due to unforeseen circumstances, it was postponed twice, but it has now completed its objective.