WATCH: SpaDeX Chaser Snaps 'Space Selfie' With Earth While ‘Life Sprouts’ On ISRO’s Orbital Lab In Microgravity

ISRO released video showing SpaDeX Chaser satellite taking a "space selfie" at 400 km altitude. The mission also marks first instance of life sprouting in space, with cowpea seeds germinating in near-zero gravity.

SpaDeX Mission: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday released stunning footage from its SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, showcasing the Chaser satellite capturing a 'space selfie' with Earth from an altitude of 400 km. The footage highlights the satellite's advanced imaging capabilities and readiness for its next critical milestone.  

The Chaser satellite is scheduled to dock with its counterpart, the Target satellite, on January 7, 2025, marking India's first collaborative space docking exercise. This achievement will place India alongside Russia, the United States, and China as the only countries to master in-space docking technology.  

The SpaDeX mission, launched on 30 December 2024 aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60), features two satellites — SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target). The mission aims to demonstrate precise navigation and secure docking in orbit, key technologies for future space station construction and deep-space exploration.  

ISRO highlighted the mission's significance, stating, "SPADEX will serve as a critical step in advancing India’s space docking capabilities, paving the way for future missions involving astronauts, sample returns, and advanced space infrastructure.”  

SpaDeX Mission: Cowpea Seeds Germinate In Near Zero-Gravity

In another historic first, the mission has also achieved biological success. Cowpea seeds sent aboard the PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) — have germinated in near zero-gravity. ISRO announced the milestone on social media, posting, "Life sprouts in space! VSSC's CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) experiment onboard PSLV-C60 POEM-4 successfully sprouted cowpea seeds in 4 days. Leaves expected soon."  

The experiment involves sending a spinach callus to space to study how plants behave in microgravity.

The POEM platform, orbiting at 350 km since 31 December 2024, hosts 24 onboard experiments. The successful germination marks India's first instance of life sprouting in space, a critical achievement for long-term space missions.  

The SpaDeX mission serves as a cost-effective demonstration of in-space docking, showcasing indigenous capabilities. Equipped with advanced docking ports and manoeuvring systems, the spacecraft will execute a complex rendezvous in low Earth orbit. These technologies are pivotal for India’s space ambitions, including human spaceflights, lunar sample return missions, and the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.