The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a milestone on Sunday with its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), bringing two satellites within three metres of each other during a trial. The satellites were subsequently manoeuvred to a safe distance.
ISRO shared the development on X, stating: “A trial attempt to reach up to 15 metres and further to three metres is done. Moving back spacecraft to safe distance. The docking process will be done after analysing data further.”
The docking process, initially planned for 7 and 9 January, was delayed, with the mission now progressing after detailed data analysis.
Launched on 30 December 2024, SpaDeX involved two small satellites—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)—carried aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket.
The launch, which also included 24 payloads, took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The satellites, each weighing 220 kilogrammes, were deployed into a 475-kilometre circular orbit.
According to ISRO, SpaDeX is a cost-effective demonstrator mission designed to showcase in-space docking technology using small spacecraft. This capability is pivotal for future missions requiring multiple launches to achieve a common objective.
Successful docking will position India among an elite group of four nations capable of mastering this complex technology, which is vital for future initiatives such as the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and crewed lunar landings.
The SpaDeX project underscores the importance of docking technology for assembling large spacecraft or transferring resources in orbit, advancing India's prowess in space exploration.
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