• ISRO has said that it has accomplished undocking of the SpaDeX satellites, clearing the way for future missions, such as exploring the moon, human spaceflight and building its own space station.

• This paves the way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, Chandrayaan 4 and Gaganyaan.

PSLV C60 SpaDeX mission

• The SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30, 2024 and placed two small satellites — SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) each weighing 220 kg — to demonstrate the docking experiment in space.

• On January 16, ISRO successfully performed the docking of satellites. With the successful docking of satellites, India became the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to accomplish the feat.

• The undocking of the satellites took place in a 460-km circular orbit with a 45-degree inclination.

• The satellites are now orbiting independently and their health is normal.

• With this, ISRO has now successfully demonstrated all capabilities required for rendezvous, docking and undocking operations in a circular orbit.

• The in-orbit performance of the docked satellites was extensively analysed and an immediate opportunity was found to be feasible from March 10 to March 25. The entire operation was monitored through ground stations located in Bengaluru, Lucknow and Mauritius.

• Having accomplished this major milestone of undocking, further experiments with satellites are planned in the coming days.

• Exhaustive ground simulations and analysis were the cornerstone of achieving the undocking in the first attempt. Various tests replicating on-orbit conditions were meticulously planned and carried out in preparation for the earliest opportunity for undocking operations.

Significance of SpaDeX

• The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) is a complex process where two spacecraft connect while orbiting the Earth. 

• The SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft that was launched by PSLV.

• In space, docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. 

• Docking systems allow two spacecraft to connect in orbit, enabling critical operations like assembling space stations, refuelling, or transferring astronauts and cargo. 

• The SpaDeX is a pivotal project by ISRO designed to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking using two small satellites. 

• The primary objectives of SpaDeX are to develop and demonstrate the technology for rendezvous and docking using two small spacecraft, and to demonstrate controllability in the docked condition, showing the potential for extending the life of the target spacecraft. Additionally, the mission aims to test power transfer between the docked spacecraft.

• The secondary objectives also include post-docking activities where the spacecraft will perform independent payload operations.

• SpaDeX will serve as a milestone in advancing India’s capabilities in space docking, a critical technology for future space missions including satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary missions. 

• By mastering rendezvous and docking technologies, ISRO is set to enhance its operational flexibility and expand its mission horizons

• This technology is essential for some of India’s space ambitions like Indian on the Moon, getting samples from the Moon (Chandrayaan-4 mission), and building and operating the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

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