Image Credit: pib.gov.in
India has entered the elite League of Nations capable of space docking using an indigenously developed system. The breakthrough was achieved with the SpaDeX mission, featuring the “Bharatiya Docking System.”
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh celebrated the historic achievement, calling it a testament to India’s strides in space technology. “India has become the fourth country to join the select league of nations to achieve space docking through its own indigenously developed ‘Bharatiya Docking System,’” Singh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” for laying the foundation for such advancements, saying, “A humble tribute to PM @narendramodi’s mantra of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ heading towards ‘Viksit Bharat,’ which will pave the way for a journey beyond the skies for ‘Gaganyaan’ and ’Bharatiya Antriksha Station.’”
SpaDeX Mission: A Key Milestone for Chandrayaan-4
The SpaDeX mission, launched aboard PSLV-C60, aims to develop technology critical for India’s future lunar and space station missions. Speaking on the importance of this mission, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said, “Docking is essential for Chandrayaan-4. This mission aims to go to the Moon, land there, return to Earth, and complete the journey successfully.”
The mission involves two small spacecraft—SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target)—performing rendezvous, docking, and undocking operations in low-Earth orbit. These capabilities are foundational for long-term projects like Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan, and the Indian space station. Somanath revealed that docking operations for the SpaDeX mission would begin immediately, with the final docking expected by January 7, 2025.
ISRO’s Upcoming Milestones
ISRO’s focus remains firmly on its ambitious 2025 agenda. The space agency is preparing to launch the NVS-02 satellite in January 2025 using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). Somanath emphasized the importance of this mission, which follows the successful deployment of NVS-01 in 2023. “In 2025, we have many missions. To start with, we have the mission of GSLV launching the NVS-02 in the month of January,” he said. The NVS-02 is expected to enhance India’s NavIC navigation system, which has already made significant strides with indigenous atomic clock technology.
ISRO’s 99th Launch: A Moment of Pride
The PSLV-C60 mission marked ISRO’s 99th successful launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, a milestone Somanath celebrated. “For us, this is the 99th launch of any launch vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. It’s a very significant milestone,” he said, adding that preparations are underway for ISRO’s landmark 100th launch early next year.
The PSLV-C60 successfully placed two SpaDeX satellites, weighing 220 kilograms, into a 475-kilometer circular orbit. Somanath hinted at future iterations of SpaDeX missions with larger and more complex docking systems.
Advancing India’s Space Ambitions
The SpaDeX mission is a significant step toward India’s space exploration goals, including the Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission and the manned Gaganyaan project. As ISRO demonstrates cost-effective and cutting-edge technologies, it continues to reinforce its position as a global leader in space exploration. With 2025 shaping up to be another landmark year, ISRO is set to mesmerize the world yet again with its bold vision and relentless innovation.
