ISRO SpaDeX Docking: India’s Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Thursday achieved a major success in its ambitious and historic “Space Docking Experiment” (SpaDeX) mission. On the morning of 16 January 2025, ISRO successfully docked two satellites in space, becoming only the fourth country in the world to achieve this feat. Earlier this achievement was only with America, Russia, and China.
SpaDeX Docking: India’s new leap
Under the SpaDeX mission, ISRO linked two satellites, SDX 01 (Chaser) and SDX 02 (Target), so that they function as a combined system. This mission is not only a huge leap in India’s space technology, but also lays a strong foundation for future space missions.
Prime Minister and Minister congratulated
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists on this unique success. He wrote on social media platform X,
“Congratulations to ISRO scientists and the entire team for the successful docking of the satellites in space. “This achievement is an important step forward for India’s ambitious space programmes.”
At the same time, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh termed this as another major achievement of “Make in India” and said,
“We have now joined the very few 3-4 countries in the world that have achieved this amazing feat. Our scientists have accomplished this entirely through indigenous technology. For this the cost of the mission was less than Rs 400 crore.”
Highlights of SpaDeX Mission
- Launch and docking journey
ISRO launched SpaDeX mission on 30 December 2024 via PSLV-C60 rocket. It launched two satellites with 24 payloads at an altitude of about 475 kilometers above Earth. Both these satellites reached their target orbit only 15 minutes after launching. After this, their docking process was started in space. - Undocking and testing power transfer
ISRO said that the satellites were successfully controlled after docking. Undocking and power transfer tests will be conducted in the coming days to find out how this technology can help astronauts and other equipment in the future. - basis for future missions
Through SpaDeX mission, ISRO has paved a new path for the upcoming space missions. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that in the future, manned space stations and docking systems will play an important role in taking astronauts to space.
International recognition through indigenous technology
This mission of ISRO was completely based on indigenous technology. This has given India a stronger position in the global competition in space technology. After America, Russia, and China, India has now made its mark in space docking technology.
The way to the future: manned missions and space stations
After the successful SpaDeX mission, ISRO’s next goal is to establish manned missions and India’s own space station. Docking technology will play an important role in this process. A senior ISRO official said,
“Our dream is that in the future India will have its own space station, where scientific experiments, payloads and astronauts can work easily. SpaDeX is the beginning of this dream.”
determination of scientists
ISRO Chairman described the success of this mission as the result of the hard work of scientists and the support of the Indian people. He said that this mission will become a source of inspiration for ISRO’s ambitious programs in the coming years.
opportunities for private sector
The SpaDeX mission has also provided huge opportunities for India’s private space sector. Private companies can take this technology further by partnering with ISRO.
Global media attention
The success of the SpaDeX mission has attracted global media attention. Scientists and space organizations around the world have praised this success of ISRO.
Not a conclusion, a new beginning
The success of SpaDeX has taken India to new heights in the field of space science. This mission will write a new chapter in India’s space history and its impact will be witnessed by the world in the years to come.
