SPADEX

A private entity based in Hyderabad, has delivered two 400 kg satellites to ISRO for its upcoming Space Docking Experiment.  

Key Highlights

• Objective: To enable two spacecraft, a ‘Chaser’ and a ‘Target,’ to autonomously dock in orbit, demonstrating precision, navigation, and control—skills crucial for assembling space stations, refueling, and transferring astronauts and cargo in space. 
• The development of docking systems dates back to the Cold War, with the Soviet Union achieving the first successful docking in space in 1967, followed by the USA’s Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. 
• Since then, docking technology has evolved significantly, becoming more automated and integral to modern space missions, as seen in Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft, NASA’s Crew Dragon, and China’s Tianzhou cargo spacecraft.

 

Significance 

• The mission is significant for India’s future space exploration plans, including human spaceflight, satellite servicing, and constructing large space structures. 
• This experiment is a stepping stone toward India’s ambitious space exploration vision, following ISRO’s recent successes like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1.