ISRO Achieves Second Successful Satellite Docking Experiment

ISRO Achieves Second Successful Satellite Docking Experiment

Why in the News ?

ISRO successfully completed the second docking of two satellites — SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) — under its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, marking a crucial step for future human spaceflight, space stations, and sample return missions.

ISRO Achieves Second Successful Satellite Docking Experiment

Mission Highlights:

  • ISRO conducted the second successful docking of SDX01 and SDX02 under the SpaDeX mission.
  • The satellites were first launched via PSLV-C60 on December 30, 2024.
  • The first docking occurred on January 16, 2025, and undocking on March 13, 2025.
  • This milestone makes India the fourth nation after the U.S., Russia, and China to demonstrate satellite docking.

Significance of SpaDeX:

  • SpaDeX aims to master rendezvous, docking, and undocking technology — vital for space stations and lunar missions.
  • Critical for future missions involving Indian astronauts, sample return from the Moon, and assembling modular spacecraft.
  • Focuses on developing in-space capabilities like electric power transfer between docked satellites.
  • Supports future advances in robotics, autonomous control, and payload operations post-undocking.
  • More experiments under SpaDeX are scheduled for the coming weeks to refine the docking technology.

About ISRO:

●      Established: 1969, headquartered in Bengaluru, India.

●      Role: India’s national space agency, responsible for space research, satellite launches, and planetary exploration.

●      Operates Under: Department of Space, reporting directly to the Prime Minister of India.

●      Known For: Cost-effective, reliable, and innovative space missions.

●      Key Achievements: Chandrayaan (Moon), Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter), PSLV and GSLV launch vehicles.

●      Objective: Harness space technology for national development, including communication, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific exploration.

●      Global Status: Recognized among the world’s leading space agencies for its efficiency and technological advancements.