GUWAHATI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C60 rocket on Tuesday, December 31, to deploy two Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) satellites into orbit. This makes the country the fourth to successfully implement this initiative, following the US, Russia, and China.
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The PSLV-C60 rocket lifted off in the morning, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, carrying two identical SPADEX satellites—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)—into a 475-km low Earth orbit.
Weighing 220 kg each, the satellites are designed to demonstrate autonomous rendezvous and docking capabilities, technologies critical for future manned missions, satellite servicing, and interplanetary exploration.
The SPADEX mission also aims to demonstrate in-orbit operations such as spacecraft refuelling, maintenance, and modular assembly.
“This mission enhances India’s capability in deep space missions, satellite servicing, and paves the way for the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS),” ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said. “By mastering orbital docking, India joins an elite group of nations—the U.S., Russia, and China.”
These technology will aim to assist in India’s Moon and Mars missions, as well as its human spaceflight initiatives under the Gaganyaan program.
