India Joins Elite League: ISRO's SpaDeX Achieves 3-Meter Proximity in Satellite Docking Trial

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a major milestone in its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission by successfully bringing two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) to within three meters of each other during a trial run. This accomplishment, announced on January 12, 2025 follows their initial positioning at a distance of 15 meters, during which the satellites captured remarkable images and videos of one another.

The mission, launched on December 30, 2024 aboard the PSLV C60 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, involves two satellites weighing approximately 220 kilograms each. They were deployed into a circular orbit at an altitude of 475 kilometers. The primary goal of the SpaDeX mission is to demonstrate in-space docking capabilities—a critical technology for India’s ambitions of establishing a space station and conducting potential manned missions in the future.

Although two earlier docking attempts, scheduled for January 7 and January 9 were delayed due to technical issues, ISRO has confirmed that the satellites are in good condition and have successfully maneuvered to their current positions. The organization is now analyzing data collected during these trials as it prepares for the actual docking phase. A successful docking in the SpaDeX mission would make India the fourth country globally to develop advanced space docking technology, joining the ranks of the United States, Russia and China. This capability is vital for future missions involving the assembly of spacecraft in orbit and satellite repairs. As ISRO continues to innovate and refine its techniques, the SpaDeX mission marks a significant leap forward in India's expanding role in space exploration.