SpadeX Mission: India Makes History to Successfully Dock in Space
India has accomplished a significant milestone by becoming the fourth nation to successfully complete space docking. This incredible accomplishment was made by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Thursday morning during the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX).
ISRO verified the successful docking at ten in the morning. The spacecraft’s hold point was lowered from 15 meters to 3 meters. Accurately starting the docking process was followed by rigidization and smooth retraction. India is currently one of the Elite countries with this cutting-edge space technology.
The Indian satellites were able to dock in space and move at a speed of 10 millimeters per second thanks to the Bhartiya Docking System. The satellites were 475 kilometers away from Earth. For next missions like Chandrayaan-4 and India’s planned space station, this accomplishment is essential.
What is the SpaDeX mission?
The PSLV-C60 rocket, which is intended to launch two tiny spacecraft into low-Earth orbit, will carry the SpaDeX mission. This mission’s main goal is to demonstrate key technologies for the rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two spacecraft: the Target (SDX02) and the Chaser (SDX01).
PM Narendra Modi, who was elected to a third term in June of last year, has attempted to establish India’s position on the international scene, which has expedited India’s space ambitions.
India is now a member of the Elite Group. The only other nations that have created and tested the docking capability are China, Russia, and the United States. India is now competing in the space docking arena with three other nations.
Russia: The Soyuz and Salyut spacecraft successfully docked for the first time in 1969, making Russia the pioneer in space docking. Russia’s developments keep pushing the limits of space technology.
United States: When two Gemini spacecraft docked in 1966, the United States achieved space docking. Since then, the Space Shuttle program and missions like Apollo-Soyuz have helped the United States expand its capabilities.
China: When the Tiangong-1 space station docked with the Shenzhou-8 spacecraft in 2011, China became a member of the space docking club. Since then, China has advanced this technology significantly.
In addition to being a historic event, this docking achievement enhances India’s standing in space exploration and technology.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) stated on X, “Spacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment.”
President of India Droupadi Murmu said on X, ” India’s space programme achieves historic milestone with the successful docking of the two satellites launched under Space Docking Experiment, SpaDeX! India is the fourth nation to have demonstrated space docking capability. This achievement paves the way for India’s future endeavours in space exploration such as Chandrayaan-4, India’s planned space station and Gaganyaan. Congratulations to ISRO and the entire scientists and engineers communities of the country for boosting India’s space capabilities.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X, “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.”
The nation also plans to send its first orbital expedition to Venus in 2028 and construct its own space station, known as the “Bharatiya Antariksha Station,” by 2035. As part of its ongoing lunar Chandarayaan mission, it also intends to return moon samples in 2027.