ISRO SpaDeX docking on January 9: Where and how to watch India's historic mission LIVE

The mission, known as the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), involves two satellites—one chaser and one target. (Image: ISRO)

India is set to achieve a new space milestone. On January 9, ISRO will attempt its first-ever in-orbit docking experiment, SpaDeX. The event will be streamed live for viewers worldwide.

Watch the Live Event

The live stream begins at 9:30 p.m. EST on January 8. This corresponds to 8 a.m. Indian Standard Time on January 9. ISRO’s twin satellites will link up in low Earth orbit, showcasing India’s capabilities in space technology.

The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) satellites were launched on December 30. Originally planned for January 6, the docking was delayed for additional validation checks. ISRO confirmed this decision through a statement on X, explaining the need for ground simulations.

Testing Future Space Technology

SpaDeX will demonstrate an automated docking system crucial for future missions. This technology will be used for Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharatiya Antariksha Station. Chandrayaan-4 aims to return samples from the moon’s south pole by 2028. The planned space station will require docking ports for crew and cargo.

#RRM_TD, India's first space robotic arm, is in action onboard #POEM4! A proud #MakeInIndia milestone in space robotics. #ISRO#SpaceTechpic.twitter.com/sy3BxrtRN1

ISRO (@isro) January 4, 2025

The SpaDeX mission uses two satellites weighing 220 kilograms each. They will perform orbital docking 467 kilometres above Earth. India’s Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, called this a step towards joining an elite group of nations mastering this capability.

Robotic Arm and More on POEM-4

The mission also tests other technologies. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle carried additional experiments on a platform called POEM-4. Among these is India’s first robotic arm, inspired by the International Space Station’s Canadarm2. ISRO shared a video of the arm’s initial tests on January 4.

The SpaDeX mission highlights ISRO’s commitment to advancing space exploration. Tune in to witness this historic event live.