ISRO Successfully Docks Two Satellites

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully docked two satellites in space as part of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission. This achievement makes India the fourth country to demonstrate this complex capability, following the United States, Russia, and China.

Manoeuvre, which was started today from 15m to 3m hold point completed. Docking initiated with precision, leading to successful spacecraft capture. Retraction completed smoothly, followed by rigidisation for stability.

SpaDeX Docking Update:

SpaDeX satellites holding position at 15m, capturing stunning photos and videos of each other! 🛰️🛰️

#SPADEX #ISRO pic.twitter.com/RICiEVP6qB

— ISRO (@isro) January 12, 2025

Post docking, control of two satellites as a single object is successful. Going forward, the undocking and power transfer checks would follow in coming days.

Key Points:

Mission Launch: The SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30, 2024, using the PSLV C60 rocket.

Satellites: The mission involved two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing about 220 kg.

Docking Process: The satellites were initially set apart by about 20 km, and over several days, they gradually reduced their distance until they were brought as close as 3 meters. The final docking was successfully completed on January 16, 2025.

Future Missions: This technology will be crucial for future missions, including Chandrayaan-4, which aims to bring lunar samples back to Earth, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India's planned space station.

This milestone is a significant step for India's space exploration capabilities.