ISRO has for the first time successfully conducted space docking by joining 2 small craft in space….
Digital Desk: On 16th January 2025, ISRO marked its history with the successful accomplishment of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX). This advancement puts India as the fourth country globally after the USA, Russia, and China, to provide a key technology of in-space docking which is crucial for all future endeavors like satellite refueling, space station operations, and inter-planetary exploration.
SpaDeX mission consisted of two small Indigenous satellites; SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) each weighing about a mass of about 220 kg. These satellites were deployed to a 470 km circular orbit with the help of the PSLV-C60 rocket on 30th December 2024. In their post-launch, they performed various orbital operations to reduce separation culminating in a successful docking at the designated time.
This achievement reflects the technical capacity and determination of ISRO scientists. Challenges that were encountered included an unexpected initial simulation delay because of unplanned satellite drift, fixed simulation, and future simulation. Nevertheless, the work of the team concerning the troubleshooting allowed the experiment to go smoothly.
One major aspect of the SpaDeX experiment was the demonstration of power between the satellites docked together, an important function that will be needed for future space applications, including in-orbit robot operations and the construction of spacecraft. Furthermore, expanding its capacities to biological ones, experiments growing from seeds of cowpea in such an environment as a message of microgravity was implemented to enlighten the possibilities of agriculture on the space.
ISRO Chairman, Dr V. Nanoayanan congratulated them and said it was one of the major activities of India's space journey and also the team worked relentlessly. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the mission and stressed that pursuing the country’s dreams of leadership within the global space market, which is currently expanding significantly.
The success of SpaDeX not only boosts India’s space technology capabilities but also paves the way for executing its other big plans and dream projects like the manned moon landing and setting up of an Indian space station. In following this achievement, India has placed itself in a position of seeking to become a major force in the field and in developments in the space field.
Leave A Comment