ISRO's SpaDeX Satellites Accomplished UnDocking in First Attempt, Paving the Way for Indian Space Station

ISRO has achieved a remarkable milestone with the successful de-docking of the SpaDeX satellites. This accomplishment is a significant step forward for India's space exploration capabilities, paving the way for future missions such as Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan.

It was on January, 16 of this year when SPADEX satellites were successfully docked. ISRO has now accomplished the pivotal operation of undocking of SPADEX satellites in the very first attempt on 13th March, 2025 at ~09:20 Hrs.

The undocking of the satellites took place in 460 km circular orbit with 45-degree inclination. The satellites are now orbiting independently and their health is normal. With this, ISRO has now successfully demonstrated all the capabilities required for rendezvous, docking and undocking operations in a circular orbit. 

The de-docking process involved a meticulously planned sequence of maneuvers, leading to the successful separation of the SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) satellites. This mission demonstrates India's technological prowess in spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking, which are critical capabilities for future advancements like satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary exploration.

Spadex undocking captured from both SDX-1 & SDX-2! 🛰️🛰️🎥

Watch the spectacular views of this successful separation in orbit.

Congratulations to India on this milestone! 🇮🇳✨ #Spadex #ISRO #SpaceTech pic.twitter.com/7u158tgKSG

— ISRO (@isro) March 13, 2025

The satellites are now orbiting independently and their health is normal. With this, ISRO has now successfully demonstrated all the capabilities required for rendezvous, docking and undocking operations in a circular orbit.

The successful de-docking of the SpaDeX satellites marks a significant milestone for ISRO, paving the way for several ambitious future missions. Here are some key implications:

1. Chandrayaan-4: The success of SpaDeX demonstrates ISRO's capability in spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking, which are crucial for complex lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4.
2. Gaganyaan: India's first manned space mission, Gaganyaan, will benefit from the technologies tested in SpaDeX, such as autonomous docking and precise positioning.
3. Bharatiya Antriksha Station: The development of India's own space station will rely heavily on the docking and undocking technologies validated by SpaDeX.
4. Satellite Servicing and Space Station Operations: The ability to dock and undock satellites opens up possibilities for satellite servicing, extending the lifespan of satellites, and conducting space station operations.
5. Interplanetary Exploration: The technologies demonstrated in SpaDeX will be essential for future interplanetary missions, enabling cargo transfer and supplies between spacecraft.

ISRO has now successfully demonstrated space docking technology using two small satellites. It is a cost-effective experiment through which, India has achieved space rendezvous, docking and post docking control technologies.

This achievement positions India among the elite group of nations capable of performing space docking, alongside the US, Russia, and China.