ISRO Trial For Historic Space Docking Brings Satellites Within 3 Metres

ISRO successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on December 30, which aims to demonstrate in-space docking using small spacecraft

Photos from Chaser and Target.

Source : X/ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Sunday, said that the two satellites which were launched by it to perform a space docking experiment have attempted a trial run and reached up to “15 metres and further to 3 metres”. Following this, the spacecraft was moved to a safe distance.

ISRO will analyse this data and then proceed with the docking process.

SpaDeX Docking Update:

A trial attempt to reach up to 15 m and further to 3 m is done.

Moving back spacecrafts to safe distance

The docking process will be done after analysing data further.

Stay tuned for updates.#SpaDeX #ISRO

— ISRO (@isro) January 12, 2025

The two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), are in good condition. 

Earlier, the two spacecraft held a position at 15 metres and captured videos and photos of each other. “SpaDeX satellites holding position at 15m, capturing stunning photos and videos of each other!”

SpaDeX Docking Update:

SpaDeX satellites holding position at 15m, capturing stunning photos and videos of each other! 🛰️🛰️

#SPADEX #ISRO pic.twitter.com/RICiEVP6qB

— ISRO (@isro) January 12, 2025

ISRO successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on December 30, which aims to demonstrate in-space docking using small spacecraft

A successful demonstration of SpaDeX will position India as the fourth nation to master the complex technologies essential for future missions, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and a manned lunar landing.

The SpaDeX project has already missed two announced schedules for docking experiments on January 7 and 9.

The PSLV C60 rocket carrying two small satellites, Chaser and Target, along with 24 payloads, had lifted off from the first launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and about 15 minutes after liftoff, the two small spacecraft weighing about 220 kg each were launched into a 475-km circular orbit as intended.

According to ISRO, 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. Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology.