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ISRO Launches SpaDeX Mission to Test In-Space Docking Technology, Paving the Way for Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan

SpaDeX Mission

Sriharikota, Dec 31, 2024 – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its highly anticipated Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on Monday evening. This mission, designed to demonstrate advanced in-space docking technology, marks a critical step in India's preparations for future space missions, including the Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return mission and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.

The launch, conducted using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60), took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The mission carried two spacecraft, each weighing 220 kilograms, and 24 additional experiments as part of the payload. The lift-off was slightly delayed by two minutes to avoid a potential collision with other satellites in orbit, but the mission proceeded smoothly.

SpaDeX: A Leap Toward Space Docking

The SpaDeX mission aims to demonstrate the essential capability of in-space docking, which is vital for a range of future missions. Docking technology allows two spacecraft to connect and operate as one unit, enabling crew transfers, resupply missions, and even the assembly of space stations. This technology is crucial for India’s long-term space objectives, including its proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s own space station, slated for development by 2035.

The two spacecraft involved in the mission—SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target)—were placed in low Earth orbit (LEO), where they will undergo a series of planned maneuvers over the next 10 days. Initially, the two spacecraft will drift apart to a distance of about 10-15 kilometers. Once this distance is reached, the drift will be stopped, and onboard systems will undergo checks. After confirming system functionality, the Chaser will begin a controlled approach toward the Target, reducing the distance incrementally—first to 5 kilometers, then to 1.5 kilometers, and ultimately leading to a successful docking.

Advancing India’s Space Capabilities

According to ISRO officials, the SpaDeX mission is not merely a technological demonstration but a significant step in expanding India's space exploration capabilities. The mission's success will pave the way for Chandrayaan-4, a mission aimed at returning samples from the Moon, and further developments in India’s human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan. “Docking technology is essential for complex space operations,” said ISRO Chief S. Somnath.

“This mission is a significant achievement for India and brings us closer to becoming the fourth nation in the world to master space docking technology, alongside the US, Russia, and China.” The successful demonstration of space docking will also enable India to take on more complex missions, including satellite servicing and interplanetary missions.

The Future of India's Space Program

ISRO’s SpaDeX mission is expected to lay the groundwork for a range of future space missions. One of the key objectives of the mission is to support the development of India’s own space station, which is expected to be operational by 2035. This achievement is part of a broader vision that includes India’s lunar exploration program and the construction of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Additionally, as part of the ongoing mission, scientists will be monitoring the two spacecraft as they undergo their docking procedures in the coming days. The precision required in the docking sequence highlights the complexity and significance of this milestone in India’s space exploration capabilities.

A Strategic Milestone for India’s Space Ambitions

The success of SpaDeX is a major milestone in ISRO’s ambitious space agenda. By mastering in-space docking technology, India will be able to conduct more sophisticated operations in space, further establishing itself as a key player in the global space community.

"This technology is crucial for future human spaceflight missions, lunar missions, and satellite servicing," said ISRO in a statement. "India is on track to become one of the few countries capable of conducting complex docking operations, a feat that will open up new possibilities for interplanetary exploration."

The PSLV-C60 mission marks the last ISRO launch of 2024, following the successful launch of PSLV-C58/XPOSAT earlier in the year. With this launch, ISRO has also made history by becoming the first space agency to integrate its rocket up to the fourth stage at the newly established PSLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

As ISRO works to perfect docking technology, all eyes will be on the upcoming developments in low Earth orbit, where the success of the SpaDeX mission will pave the way for even more ambitious space missions in the future.


ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath says, "Chandrayaan-4 has multiple modules, it has five modules and these modules have to be launched in different times as integrated into two separate modules. They have to go to orbit and then get docked. They have to get docked in earth orbit as well as in moon orbit. Docking is essential for Chandrayaan 4. Chandrayaan 4 is a mission to go to the moon, land there, come back and reach Earth...This is one of the proving grounds for Chandrayaan 4. Now docking will start from tomorrow onwards. Many processes will happen but the final docking will take place possibly by the 7th of January..."

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