Prime Minister Narendra Modi complimented ISRO on its breakthrough feat in successfully demonstrating space docking with the SpaDeX mission. In a tweet, he praised the crew, describing it as a “significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions.”
Satellites SDX01 and SDX02 were successfully docked after being launched by the PSLV-C60 rocket on December 30, 2024. After perfect manoeuvres, they docked 475 kilometres above the Earth, making India the fourth country to master this complex technology, behind the United States, Russia, and China.
ISRO methodically planned the docking process, relocating the satellites from 15 meters to a close hold point of 3 meters before carrying it out. Once docked, the satellites began to work as one unit, demonstrating India’s advanced space exploration capabilities.
This milestone is essential for future missions such as Gaganyaan, which will launch Indian astronauts into space, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India’s planned space station. Docking technology will be critical for in-orbit activities, including crew transfers and resupply missions.
The SpaDeX mission has received worldwide praise, cementing India’s reputation as an emerging star in space exploration.
