An artist’s impression of Isro’s Tiger and Chaser satellites docking in space. (Via Isro)
New Delhi: In a groundbreaking achievement, the Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) successfully completed its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on Thursday, becoming the fourth nation globally to master this complex space technology. The mission marks a key moment for India’s space ambitions, which demonstrated the country’s rapidly advancing capabilities in orbital engineering.
During the mission, Isro precisely manoeuvred two small 220-kilogram satellites – Tiger and Chaser – bringing them within three metres of each other and successfully connecting their extended rings in orbit. The space agency demonstrated unprecedented control by commanding the two satellites as a single composite object.
Earlier, the two satellites were launched aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on December 30, 2024. Following their deployment into a 470-kilometre circular orbit, the satellites executed a series of precise orbital adjustments, culminating in their successful docking at 9am IST on January 16.
The successful docking was carried out by the indigenously developed Bharatiya Docking System.
The SpaDeX mission also showcased the successful transfer of electric power between the docked satellites, a critical capability for future applications such as in-space robotics and composite spacecraft control.
Additionally, the mission included experiments on plant growth in microgravity, with cowpea seeds successfully germinating and sprouting leaves in space, providing valuable insights for future long-duration space missions.
The successful docking positions India alongside space pioneers like the United States, Russia, and China in a highly exclusive technological domain.
The prime minister, Narendra Modi, hailed the achievement as a “significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions.” He also highlighted the broader implications of this technological breakthrough.
The Union science minister, Dr Jitendra Singh, emphasized that the mission was accomplished entirely through domestic technological capabilities.
SpaDeX success Implications
The SpaDeX mission unlocks critical capabilities for India's space programme, including, satellite servicing and maintenance, advanced space station construction, potential interplanetary mission support, and reducing space debris through precise orbital manoeuvres.
Apart from these, docking technology enables complex space operations like refuelling satellites, supporting sample return missions, and facilitating crew transfers during long-duration space expeditions. The SpaDeX mission represents a crucial step towards making space exploration more efficient and sustainable.
Upcoming Mission Roadmap
Isro’s vision now encompasses ambitious projects that directly benefit from this technology:
* Bharatiya Antariksh Station (space station planned by 2035)
* Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission
* Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme
This accomplishment is a testament to India’s burgeoning capabilities in space technology. By demonstrating proficiency in this domain, India has significantly bolstered its position in the global space arena, which is estimated to be a $400 billion market.
