The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Thursday the successful completion of its SpaDeX mission’s space de-docking, marking a significant achievement in India’s journey towards advanced space exploration. Union Minister Jitendra Singh extended his congratulations to the ISRO team, stating that the “SpaDeX satellites accomplished the unbelievable de-docking,” adding that the milestone was “heartening for every Indian.”
In a post on X, Singh highlighted the importance of the accomplishment, saying, “This paves the way for the smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan-4, and Gaganyaan.” He also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing support for ISRO, which he said keeps the team’s “spirits soaring.”
The undocking process involved a series of carefully coordinated steps, resulting in the successful separation of the SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) satellites. These satellites were launched on December 30, 2024, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C60 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Key maneuvers included the extension of SDX-2, the release of Capture Lever 3, and the disengagement of the Capture Lever in SDX-2. Following these maneuvers, the decapture command was issued in both satellites, successfully completing the de-docking.
ISRO had previously achieved the docking of the two SpaDeX satellites on January 16, 2025, marking India’s entry into an elite group of countries—alongside China, Russia, and the United States—that possess space docking technology. The SpaDeX mission aims to demonstrate India’s capability in spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking, which are crucial for future missions such as satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary exploration.
The SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator for in-space docking, utilizing two small spacecraft launched by PSLV. This technology is vital for India’s future space ambitions, including putting an Indian on the Moon, conducting sample return missions, and building and operating the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS). In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives.
The SpaDeX spacecraft were designed and developed by the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), with support from other ISRO centers including VSSC, LPSC, SAC, IISU, and LEOS.
(With ANI inputs)
