The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the undocking of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex) mission, a significant step forward in India’s space exploration capabilities. This achievement is expected to play a crucial role in future missions, including Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan, and the Bharatiya Antriksha Station.
Successful Undocking and Future Prospects
In a post on X, ISRO detailed the sequence of events leading to the successful undocking. The process involved an SDX-2 extension, release of capture lever 3, disengagement of the capture lever in SDX-2, and the issuance of a de-capture command for both satellites.
Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, congratulated the ISRO team, stating, “Congrats team ISRO. And heartening for every Indian! SPADEX Satellites accomplished the unbelievable De-Docking.” He further emphasized how this success lays the groundwork for upcoming ambitious projects under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s space sector.
A Historic Milestone in India’s Space Program
Launched on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, the SpaDex mission involved two satellites—SDX01 and SDX02, nicknamed Chaser and Target—which successfully docked on January 16, 2025. With this feat, India joins the elite club of nations—United States, Russia, and China—that have successfully demonstrated space docking technology.
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan had earlier stated that further experiments with the space docking mission would commence from March 15 onwards. He explained, “Currently, the unified satellite is in an elliptical orbit. So, we get a 10-15 days window once in two months to conduct various experiments.”
Significance of SpaDex for India’s Space Future
SpaDex is a cost-effective mission designed to demonstrate space docking using two small spacecraft launched via a PSLV rocket. The technology developed through this mission is expected to be crucial for future space endeavors, especially those requiring multiple rocket launches to achieve a common goal.
With the successful execution of SpaDex, India has taken a major leap forward in space technology, reinforcing its position as a rising global space power. The success of this mission brings the country closer to achieving its ambitious lunar and manned spaceflight missions, setting the stage for an exciting era of Indian space exploration.
Sources By Agencies
