The docking involved two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, launched aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket on December 30, 2024.
In a landmark achievement, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed the nation’s first satellite docking experiment under the SpaDeX mission.
The docking involved two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, launched aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket on December 30, 2024. After multiple attempts and close manoeuvres on Sunday, the satellites were successfully docked, marking a historic milestone for India’s space program.
ISRO announced the success of the docking experiment on the social media platform X, stating, “Spacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment.”
The announcement detailed the precise manoeuvring process, which included moving the satellites from a 15-meter distance to a 3-meter hold point, initiating docking, and achieving spacecraft capture. The retraction process was completed smoothly, followed by rigidisation to ensure stability.
Following the successful docking, ISRO’s new chairman, V Narayanan, who was in Delhi at the time, congratulated the entire team for their efforts. In its social media post, ISRO confirmed that the satellites were now operating as a single entity and mentioned that undocking and power transfer checks would follow in the coming days.
“Post docking, control of two satellites as a single object is successful. Undocking and power transfer checks to follow in coming days,” ISRO said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X greeted the scientists for the achievement.
He said: “Congratulations to our scientists at @isro and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. It is a significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions in the years to come.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also greeted ISRO for achieving the feat.
“We are extremely proud of the exceptional work of the scientists and space engineers at @isro as they successfully achieved the satellite docking as part of the SpaDex Mission,” Kharge said in a post on X.
He said this significant milestone marks a pivotal step for the future of India’s space programme, which has been built over years, and is a collective achievement for the nation.
The docking, initially scheduled for January 7, faced postponements as the distance between the satellites was reduced from 500 meters to 225 meters. On Sunday, after bringing the satellites to a 3-meter distance, the teams conducted a separation to ensure safety before the final docking maneuver.
The SpaDeX docking experiment, executed at a cost of Rs 370 crore, has positioned India as the fourth country in the world to achieve this critical space capability. The accomplishment has brought widespread acclaim among space science enthusiasts and bolstered the nation’s ambitions in space exploration.
The docking technology is vital for upcoming missions like Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antariksh Missions. Successful spacecraft docking facilitates the transfer of supplies, equipment, and potentially astronauts, paving the way for advanced human spaceflight and interplanetary missions.
Congratulatory tweets
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, in his congratulatory message said: “This milestone marks a significant leap in India’s capabilities, paving the way for greater space programmes and missions. Your dedication and innovation continue to inspire the world and make every Indian proud.”
Union Minister of State for Science, Technology and Space, Jitendra Singh posted: “Congrats #ISRO. Finally made it. SpaDeX has accomplished the unbelievable’ docking complete’ and it is all indigenous ‘Bharatiya Docking System’.”
AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge posted on ‘X’: “We are extremely proud of the exceptional work of the scientists and space engineers at @isro as they successfully achieved the satellite docking as part of the SpaDex Mission.”
A Stepping stone: PM MOdi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate the ISRO team. “Congratulations to our scientists at
@ISRO. This is a significant stepping stone…” he said
source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited0