On December 30, 2024, ISRO launched the PSLV-C60 mission, aiming to achieve India’s first in-space docking through the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX). The mission deployed two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), into orbit from Sriharikota’s spaceport. These satellites will attempt the docking maneuver on January 7, 2025. The Success will position India among space pioneers and boost future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and the Bhartiya Antrish Station.
In the coming days, the satellites will drift apart to a distance of approximately 20 km before ISRO attempts the critical docking maneuver. If successful, India will join the US, Russia, and China as pioneers of this complex technology.
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath expressed confidence, stating, “The rocket has placed the satellite in the right orbit. The satellites moved one behind the other. Their distance will increase to about 20km over the next few days before we close the gap and attempt the docking. We’re hoping to complete docking in the coming week. The nominal date for this is Jan 7.”
The SpaDeX mission highlights India’s growing prowess in space technology and its ambitions to lead in next-generation innovations. Beyond the technical achievement, a successful docking will mark a new chapter in India’s space exploration journey.
