Isro revolutionises space exploration with successful SpaDeX Mission

Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has successfully completed its pioneering space docking experiment (SpaDeX) with precision docking of the two experimental satellites and executing the undocking and post-docking stabilisation process of the joined satellite.

Isro scientists achieved the historic docking process by first manoeuvring the spacecraft to a 15-metre distance between each other and then closing in to a 3-metre hold point for initiating the docking process. After the successful docking of the two spacecraft, Isro successfully carried out the undocking as well as the rigidisation or stabilisation of the joined satellite.

This was followed by the successful integration of the control mechanism as a single satellite. 

Isro will follow up with further validation of power transfer and system performance of the united satellite in the coming days.

The SpaDeX mission is designed to develop and demonstrate technology for rendezvous and docking using two spacecraft, controllability in the docked condition as also the potential for extending the life of the joined spacecraft.

The success of the mission is critical for India's future space programmes, including lunar missions and sample collection as also the development of the proposed space station, Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Isro scientists and the entire space fraternity for the successful space docking mission. “It is a significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions in the years to come,” he said.

SpaDeX is a cost-effective technology demonstrator for in-space docking of spacecrafts.

Isro launched the two satellites, using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C60, on 30 December 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This was the 62nd PSLV flight. 

After a couple of trials, the SpaDeX mission’s docking operation was successfully completed on 16 January 2025, marking India’s entry into the elite group of nations capable of executing space docking operations. With this, India becomes the fourth country in the world to achieve this technological feat. 

The successful mission positions Isro for more complex space missions, union minister of state for science and technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, said.