ISRO Big Achievement: ISRO achieved great success in conducting Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) related to connecting two satellites. SpaceX is a significant project designed to develop and demonstrate the technology required for rendezvous, docking and undocking of spacecraft using two small satellites.

The Spacex experiment will prove to be a milestone in advancing India’s capabilities in space docking. Space docking is a critical technology for future space missions, including satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary missions.

India has become the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology.

The PSLV C60 rocket took off from the first launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota carrying two small satellites – SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) and 24 payloads. About 15 minutes after launch, two small spacecraft weighing about 220 kg each were released into a 475 km circular orbit.

Why is this so important?

According to ISRO, the SpaceX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstration mission to demonstrate in-space docking using two small spacecraft. This technology is essential for India’s space ambitions such as India on the Moon, sample return from the Moon, construction and operation of the Indian Space Station (BAS), etc.