ISRO Creates History; Docks SpaDeX Satellites in Space

Unravelling a new chapter in science and tech, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a remarkable feat by successfully docking or mating two Indian satellites in space on Thursday morning. Notably, a fourth attempt by the country, this is a part of the Space Docking Experiment or SpaDeX.

Following the success, ISRO wrote on X, “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. Retraction completed smoothly, followed by rigidisation for stability. Docking successfully completed. India became the 4th country to achieve successful Space Docking. Congratulations to the entire team! Congratulations to India!”

In order to achieve this feat, the country used indigenously developed Bhartiya Docking System just ahead of docking this satellite that moved closer to each other at a speed of 10 millimeters per second.

India has become the fourth country after Russia, USA and China to have successfully learnt to dock. The country launched the SpaDeX mission on December 30, 2024 by using the PSLV rocket. Docking is an enabling technology, which will be used for future missions including Chandrayaan-4 and Bhartiya Antariksha station.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said in its last update, “A trial attempt to reach up to 15 m and further to 3 m is done. Moving back space crafts to a safe distance. The docking process will be done after analysing data further.”

Docking is a complicated process that involves satellites being moved back and forth. ISRO has described the process as an "exciting handshake" of the two satellites in space.

SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30 with the satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to congratulate the scientists. He said, “It is a significant stepping stone for India's ambitious space missions in the years to come.”