In a historic achievement, the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission’s docking operation was successfully completed on 16th January, 2025 marking India’s entry into the elite group of nations capable of executing space docking operations. With this success, India becomes the fourth country in the world to achieve this technological feat.
ISRO started the mission on 30th December 2024, with the successful launch of the SpaDeX spacecrfts using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C60, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This groundbreaking mission aims to showcase India’s technological prowess in spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking — a critical capability for future advancements such as satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary exploration.’
The SpaDeX mission represents a significant leap in India’s space capabilities, positioning ISRO for more complex and ambitious space endeavours in the future.
Emphasising the significance of this accomplishment, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, underscored that SpaDeX establishes India as a global leader in space docking technology.
He also highlighted a significant collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology and ISRO to explore the application of biology in Space. Singh also highlighted the significance of the indigenous ‘Bharatiya Docking System’ used for the docking experiment and emphasized that this milestone paves way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan 4 and Gaganyaan.
Space docking is a critical prerequisite for upcoming space missions, such as lunar exploration and the operation of space stations. By successfully executing this mission, ISRO is laying the foundation for autonomous docking—a vital capability for future missions like Chandrayaan-4.
Additionally, the SpaDeX mission will play a key role in supporting India’s ambitious space goals, such as the Gaganyaan mission, sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon and setting up the Bharat Antariksh Space Station.
This technological breakthrough not only highlights India’s progress in the space sector but also opens up new opportunities for more complex missions, strengthening the nation’s position as a key player in the global space community. SpaDeX is a testament to India’s strides in indigenous innovation, further solidifying its position on the global space map.
