SpaDeX

SpaDeX or Space Docking Experiment is a twin satellite mission developed by the <a href="/facts/ISRO/CdAoFQTL">Indian Space Research Organisation</a> (ISRO) to mature and demonstrate technologies related to orbital <a href="/facts/Space_rendezvous/8KlcQyyf">rendezvous</a>, <a href="/facts/Spacecraft_Docking_and_Berthing_Mechanisms/zUWc9rvu">docking</a>, <a href="/facts/Formation_flying/RKqVQeN9">formation flying</a>, which will have future applications in areas such as human spaceflight, in-space satellite servicing and other proximity operations.
SpaDeX consists of two <a href="/facts/Indian_Mini_Satellite_bus/J2n36M5Q">modified IMS-1</a> class <a href="/facts/Satellite/PTX8c68t">satellites</a> weighing 220 kg each. During proximity operations one spacecraft acts as a Chaser and other acts as a Target.
Both spacecraft were launched together from the <a href="/facts/Satish_Dhawan_FLP/GkXD3tL3">First Launch Pad</a> of <a href="/facts/Satish_Dhawan_Space_Centre/GkXD3tL3">Satish Dhawan Space Centre</a> aboard a dedicated <a href="/facts/Polar_Satellite_Launch_Vehicle/KantsJM7">Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle</a> on 30 December 2024 at 16:30:15 UTC and subsequently injected into slightly different orbits.
After deployment, the two spacecraft then executed manoeuvres to bring them together again. The Chaser (SDX01) approached the target (SDX02) and then carried out precision manoeuvres to complete a successful docking. With this success, India became one of the few countries in the world to have achieved a successful in-space docking using indigenous technology.

SpaDeX open-in-new

SpaDeX