The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed another major step in its space docking program. On Monday, ISRO successfully carried out the second satellite docking operation under its ongoing SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the achievement. He congratulated the ISRO team and praised their efforts. In a message shared on social media platform X, he wrote, "Glad to inform that the second docking of satellites has been accomplished successfully."
#ISRO SPADEX Update:
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) April 21, 2025
Glad to inform that the second docking of satellites has been accomplished successfully.
As informed earlier, the PSLV-C60 / SPADEX mission was successfully launched on 30 December 2024. Thereafter the satellites were successfully docked for the first time…
This marks an important milestone for ISRO as it works toward developing advanced technologies for future space missions. Satellite docking allows two spacecraft to connect while in orbit. This technology plays a key role in long-duration space missions, space station operations, and satellite servicing.
ISRO has successfully proven its capability to dock, undock, and control two satellites in orbit. On January 16, ISRO achieved a major milestone. It docked two satellites in space, forming a single rotating body. ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan told agencies, “We successfully docked both the satellites together, and it was rotating as a single body.”
Extensive Preparation for Undocking
Before the undocking process, ISRO carried out detailed studies and analysis. To ensure accuracy, the team built a simulator and conducted 120 simulations. As a result, they were fully prepared.
Successful Undocking
Eventually, on March 13 at 9:20 a.m., the team performed the undocking. Impressively, they succeeded on the first attempt. “We succeeded in the undocking process,” Dr. Narayanan confirmed.
Looking Ahead to Manned Missions
When asked about India’s future manned missions, Dr. Narayanan emphasized ISRO’s learning approach. “We learn lessons from all small setbacks of us and others,” he explained.
Since space technology is highly complex, ISRO studies both its own challenges and those faced by others. Nevertheless, Dr. Narayanan expressed strong confidence. “We are taking care of setbacks. We are quite confident in our efforts,” he added.
Finally, he praised the passion behind India’s space program. “The type of dedication of Indian scientists is something else,” he said.