SpaDeX undocking success! ISRO takes a big leap toward Chandrayaan-4 and beyond

ISRO Achieves Success with SpaDeX Space Docking Experiment

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the space undocking phase of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission. The agency shared the news on Wednesday, celebrating another step towards India's space goals.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised ISRO’s efforts, calling the SpaDeX mission a major milestone for future projects like Bharatiya Antariksha Station, Chandrayaan-4, and Gaganyaan. He highlighted the continuous support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he said keeps ISRO’s momentum strong.

Congrats team #ISRO. And heartening for every Indian !#SPADEX Satellites accomplished the unbelievable De-Docking This paves the way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan 4 & Gaganyaan. PM Sh @narendramodis
Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) March 13, 2025

What Is the SpaDeX Mission?
The SpaDeX mission, launched on 30 December 2024, was designed to demonstrate critical space docking technology. It was carried into orbit by the PSLV-C60 rocket from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The experiment involves two small spacecraft—SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target)—which dock and undock in low-Earth orbit.

Spadex Undocking Successful! Key sequence of events: SDX-2 extension successful Capture Lever 3 released as planned Capture Lever in SDX-2 disengaged Decapture command issued in SDX-1 & SDX-2 FINALLY, SUCCESSFUL UNDOCKING!Congratulations, Team ISRO! ISRO (@isro) March 13, 2025

The mission aims to test autonomous docking, power transfer, and precise positioning using advanced GNSS-based Satellite Positioning System (SPS). These technologies will be crucial for future missions, including satellite servicing, space station assembly, and deep-space exploration.

The U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) developed the mission, with support from other ISRO centres. The ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) provided real-time communication during the experiment.

Why Is This Mission Important?
With SpaDeX, India joins an elite group of nations—China, Russia, and the United States—capable of performing space docking. ISRO Chief S. Somanath confirmed that the spacecraft entered a circular orbit at 475 km, slightly surpassing the planned 470 km.

The mission’s success will help India build its own space station and advance projects like Gaganyaan. Future space operations will depend on reliable docking technology, making SpaDeX a stepping stone toward ambitious space goals.

(Inputs from PTI)