In an awe-inspiring leap forward for the nation’s space endeavors, India marked a monumental chapter in its journey among the stars on December 30, 2024. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its maiden Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), cementing the country’s position as a global space power.
The mission soared into the heavens aboard the trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, propelling two indigenous spacecraft into orbit. These twin marvels of engineering, each weighing 220 kilograms, are tasked with achieving the intricate feat of autonomous rendezvous and docking—a capability previously mastered by only three nations: the United States, Russia, and China.
SpaDeX is not merely a technical milestone but a vision of the future. Autonomous docking holds the key to in-orbit satellite servicing, space station assembly, and long-duration human spaceflight missions—ventures that will define humanity’s next great leap.
The experiment is a testament to ISRO’s ingenuity and ambition. For the first time, the agency collaborated extensively with India’s private sector, reflecting a new era of public-private partnerships in space exploration. The satellites, integrated and tested at Ananth Technologies, showcase India’s burgeoning ecosystem of innovation.
Adding to its legacy, the PSLV’s fourth stage has been repurposed into a pioneering space laboratory, opening the cosmos to Indian startups and research institutions. This bold step is poised to democratize access to space technology, fostering a new generation of explorers and innovators.
With this mission, India joins the elite ranks of nations capable of in-space docking, underscoring its technical prowess and unyielding spirit. As the spacecraft prepare for their historic embrace in orbit, the world watches, reminded once more of India’s boundless aspirations and its ever-brightening star in the cosmic firmament.

The success of this mission is vital for India’s future space ambitions
The success of this mission is vital for India’s future space ambitions, said the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh Docking technology is key for long-term missions like “Chandrayaan-4” and the planned Indian space station. It is also crucial for the eventual manned “Gaganyaan” mission.
In the near vacuum of Space, the handout said, ISRO will attempt to dock two satellites orbiting at speeds of 28,800 km/h. This is a challenging task, as both satellites must be carefully manoeuvred to reduce their relative velocities to a mere 0.036 km/h. The two satellites, designated ‘Chaser’ and ‘Target’, will merge to form a single unit in Space.
ISRO’s achievement will place India among the world’s space leaders, marking a step towards greater space exploration and innovation. SpaDeX is a significant milestone that paves the way for more complex space missions in the coming years. ISRO’s SpaDEX mission is set to launch on Dec 30, 2024, will demonstrate India’s Spacecraft Docking technology, marking a crucial step in space exploration and satellite servicing capabilities.
India is preparing for a key step in space exploration. ISRO will launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEX) on December 30, 2024. The mission will use PSLV-C60, lifting off at 21:58 IST from Sriharikota. SpaDEX marks a milestone, showcasing India’s expertise in spacecraft docking technology.
SpaDEX will deploy two identical satellites, SDX01 and SDX02. Each satellite weighs around 220 kilograms and will orbit 470 km above Earth. Key objectives include Performing precision rendezvous and docking manoeuvres, Validating power transfer between docked spacecraft and Operating payloads post-undocking, with a two-year lifespan.
This mission is essential for future endeavours, including satellite servicing and building India’s space station, Bharatiya Antriksh Station.
SpaDEX will also use PSLV’s fourth stage, POEM-4, for experiments. The stage will carry 24 payloads from academic institutions and startups. These experiments will utilise the microgravity environment in orbit.
SpaDEX will demonstrate docking and undocking capabilities between satellites. This includes transferring power and operating scientific payloads. The mission will simulate a sequence of manoeuvres, starting with a far rendezvous phase at 20 km and ending with docking at 3 metres.
This capability is vital for India’s lunar and interplanetary missions. Docking technology enables multi-launch missions and supports future human spaceflight. Only the US, Russia, and China have mastered such advancements so far.
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