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OPINION FEBRUARY 07, 2025 | The Indian Eye 10

New Heights for India’s Space Program as ISRO

Successfully Executes Satellite Docking Experiment

The execution of this SpaDeX mission showcases ISRO’s growing mastery over new technologies, which

were used during this mission, such as indigenous docking strategy and inter-satellite communication links

significant private sector participation,
KESHAV VERMA
such as Manastu Space, GalaxyEYE
Space and Bellatrix Aerospace, mark-
he article highlights India’s ing a pivotal moment for the Indian
groundbreaking achievement
Tin space technology with the space sector. These domestic part-
nerships were able to achieve these
successful SpaDeX mission docking high levels of performance and simul-
experiment. taneously save costs, proving the vast
India takes another leap in the ex-
ploration of space with the successful potential for the private space sector
in India. This success has opened new
docking experiment for the SpaDeX opportunities for private companies
mission. This enhances the stature of to participate in satellite manufactur-
the Indian Space Research Organiza- ing, space technology development
tion (ISRO) as one of the leaders at and future missions, further energiz-
the world level. On 16 January 2025, ing the country’s space ecosystem.
India became the fourth country after Despite the remarkable success
the USA, Russia and China to have of SpaDeX, India must address that
developed in-space docking technol- achieving docking with small satellites
ogy. This commendable achievement like SDX01 and SDX02 requires high
brings India closer to being a global precision but scaling this capability to
superpower. It also presents India as larger, more complex spacecraft will
an eminent country in world affairs, demand further innovation. Devel-
striding in space technology. oping autonomous docking systems
Space docking is defined as the
joining together of two spacecraft is essential for missions that venture
beyond Earth’s orbit, such as lunar
while in orbit. It requires the first or interplanetary exploration. Ensur-
spacecraft, usually called a “chaser,” ing the reliability and safety of these
to make a well-controlled flight to- systems, particularly in untested envi-
wards the second spacecraft, called ronments, will require extensive simu-
the “target.” This procedure is com- lation, testing and validation.
plicated because it needs perfection The SpaDeX mission docking
to ensure that both spacecraft make experiment completion is consid-
it through the docking phase safely ered to be a watershed for the Indian
and successfully. The Space Docking space programme. This achievement
Experiment (SpaDeX) mission was ISRO launched PSLV-C60 with two Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex) satellites promptly positions India’s ISRO
launched on 30 December 2024, using and 24 other innovative payloads into orbit from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), alongside other elite international
the PSLV-C60 rocket, carrying two in Sriharikota on December 31, 2024 (ANI) space agencies with advanced tech-
small satellites: SDX01 (Chaser) and nical and visionary leadership. More-
SDX02 (Target). of BAS by 2035. The first part of the tion space missions. This provides In- over, it underscores India’s readiness
The satellites successfully docked modular space station is planned to be dia the chance to reinforce its image
in a 470-km orbit, demonstrating tech- launched in 2028. On the other hand, as an efficient space technology pro- to seize opportunities in lunar explo-
ration, satellite servicing and space
nologies crucial for future missions, as space becomes an increasingly com- vider, as ISRO is already recognized station development, where the po-
such as the Chandrayaan-4 aimed petitive and contested domain, India’s as a low-cost service provider. tential for further breakthroughs is
at lunar sample return, the estab- advancements in docking technology The execution of this SpaDeX limitless. This mission significantly
lishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh strengthen its position, enabling the mission showcases ISRO’s growing strengthens India’s space collabora-
Station (BAS) and interplanetary ex- country to actively participate in glob- mastery over new technologies, which tions and positions the country at the
ploration. The docking of spacecraft al initiatives, such as lunar bases and were used during this mission, such forefront of key developments in its
in orbit is extremely essential for mis- deep space exploration. as indigenous docking strategy and governance.
sions in which individual parts need to India’s space programme reached inter-satellite communication links. Keshav Verma is a Research
be launched and assembled in space. new heights after successfully docking Further, GNSS-based relative or- Associate at Indian Council of World
For example, India’s Chandrayaan-4 a satellite to another in orbit, which bit determination and the successful Affairs, New Delhi. Views expressed
lunar sample return mission will re- also means that ISRO has joined the transfer of electric power between the are personal
quire the ability to transfer samples ranks of a few other countries that docking satellites both mark signifi-
from one spacecraft to another before have the capability of space fusion. cant advancements, paving the way This article first appeared in the web
bringing them back to Earth. This This functionality is very important for for a new era in the Indian space pro- articles section of the website (www.
method of docking spacecraft will orbiting serviceable satellites, space gramme. icwa.in) of Indian Council of World Af-
also serve towards the establishment stations with modules and long-dura- The mission also recorded more fairs, New Delhi, on January 27, 2025

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