The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully achieved space docking for the first time, joining two small spacecraft in orbit. This technological breakthrough is a crucial step toward India's long-term goals of constructing a space station and sending humans to the Moon.

The mission, known as SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment), launched from Sriharikota on December 30 aboard a single rocket carrying two spacecraft. After reaching orbit, the spacecraft separated and began traveling at carefully calibrated speeds. Although the docking was initially planned for January 7, it faced multiple delays due to additional testing and technical adjustments.

On January 16, ISRO announced that India had become only the fourth nation—after the United States, Russia, and China—to master space docking technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, present at ISRO's Bangalore office during the operation, called the achievement a "significant stepping stone" for India's future space endeavors. Federal Science Minister Jitendra Singh also expressed relief and pride in the mission's success.

The two spacecraft involved, named SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target), each weigh approximately 220 kilograms. After separation, they maintained a distance of 10-20 kilometers to prepare for the docking process. According to Mila Mitra, a former NASA scientist, scientists gradually reduced this distance, maneuvering the Chaser closer to the Target until they successfully mated the two satellites.

The docking operation required extreme precision and coordination. Initially, both spacecraft were placed in the same orbit to enable the Chaser to approach the Target. On the final day, engineers reduced their speeds, gradually closing the gap to just three meters. The spacecraft were then latched and screwed together, forming an airtight connection to enable the safe transfer of materials or crew.

ISRO officials revealed that the next phase of the mission involves testing the transfer of electrical power from the Chaser to the Target. This critical experiment aims to demonstrate India's capability to send spacecraft to service others in orbit. Additionally, the mission will test undocking procedures and inter-satellite communication, as the spacecraft must relay data both to Earth and to each other during these operations.

ISRO's SpaDeX mission represents a significant milestone in India's space program, showcasing the nation's growing expertise in advanced space technologies and paving the way for ambitious future missions.

Disclaimer:This image is taken from ISRO.