The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Friday released a video of the successful docking experiment involving two satellites as part of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX).
The ISRO “successfully” completed the docking of two SPADEX satellites (SDX-01 and SDX-02) in the early hours of January 16, 2025. This made India part of “the elite club of nations” – becoming the fourth country after the US, Russia and China will realize space docking technology.
After this feat, ISRO released a video showing the docking of the satellites in space. It was followed by new ISRO Chairman V Narayanan greeting the space agency's team, making it a success.
“ISRO successfully completed docking of two SPADEX satellites (SDX-01 and SDX-02) in the early hours of January 16, 2025,” the space agency said in the caption of the video it published on 'X'.
The SpaDeX mission was launched on December 30. The aim was to demonstrate India's technological prowess in spacecraft rendezvous, docking and docking.
The docking process was carried out with exceptional precision. The spacecraft maneuvered seamlessly from the 15-meter to the 3-meter hold point, initiating docking with accuracy and leading to successful spacecraft capture.
The ISRO said on Thursday that “spacecraft are docking [has been] completed successfully.” The Indian space agency called it a “historic moment” in a social media post.
“India became the fourth country to successfully realize Space Docking. Congratulations to the whole team! Congratulations India!” ISRO posted on X.
Why is 'docking' essential?
ISRO said space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives.
The docking experiment is crucial for the smooth conduct of the country's ambitious future missions, including Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan, setting up a space station and landing an astronaut on the moon.
ISRO has also said that disconnection and power transfer checks will follow in the coming days.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitender Singh said on Friday that an Indian space station would be set up by 2035 and the successful linking of satellites through SpaDex is a major breakthrough in that direction.
During his visit to Shimla IMD station, the minister was quoted by PTI as saying that the Bhartiya Antriksh station is essential for satellite docking in the future.
Last October, the government announced that India will have its own space station by 2035, known as the “Bharatiya Antriksh Station”.