India Achieves Milestone as Fourth Nation in Space Docking

Why in the news?

India became the 4th country to successfully achieve space docking with its SpaDeX mission, showcasing advancements in satellite servicing and interplanetary missions, boosting India’s position in the global space market.

India Achieves Milestone as Fourth Nation in Space Docking

India Achieves Space Docking Milestone:

  • Achievement: India becomes the fourth nation globally to succeed in space docking.
  • Technological Significance: The docking technology is essential for satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary missions.
  • Mission: Two ISRO satellites, Target and Chaser, successfully docked at 9 AM on January 16, 2025, marking the success of SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment).

SpaDeX Mission Details:

  • Launch Date: The SpaDeX mission launched on December 30, 2024, from India’s main spaceport using an Indian-made rocket.
  • Satellite Details: The satellites, each the size of a large refrigerator, will now operate as a single object. Power transfer checks will be conducted in the coming days.
  • Cowpea Seeds: The mission also carried cowpea seeds to study plant growth in microgravity, germinating in four days, marking a step toward growing food in space for long-term missions.
  • Electric Power Transfer: The mission will demonstrate electric power transfer between docked spacecraft, which is essential for in-space robotics, payload operations, and spacecraft control.

India’s Space Expansion and Future Goals

  • Global Market: India aims to expand its share of the $400 billion global space market, targeting a $44 billion share by 2040, up from the current $8 billion.
  • Third Launch Pad: India has approved the construction of a third launch pad at Andhra Pradesh, costing ₹39.85 billion ($461 million), which will be completed in four years.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times